Today's Everyday Fashion: Casual Stripe Dress

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Packing for a trip is a bit like solving a puzzle. I usually start with the shoes and jackets I'd like to take first, since those are bulkier and take the most space and weight. This stripe dress made the cut because it pairs so well with those things I'm already planning to bring (the hat, necklace and loafers, for example, are a repeat from yesterday's outfit post - they will already be in my suitcase!). I also like that this dress works for two different types of weather, and it can be worn outside for sightseeing in the wind (the top layer is loose, but the two bottom layers are secure). It's a no-brainer for our trip to Europe!

Dress: Saks Off 5th, $23 (I used code SPOTIT to get an additional 20% off)
Jacket: Wilson's Leather, $150
Shoes: Coach c/o Amazon, $60
Sandals: Dolce Vita, old (same) 
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $18 (similar, similar)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Sandals are 4 years ago. Hat is 1 year ago. Jacket and shoes are recent. Dress and purse are new.

Nordstrom Rack  /  Shopbop  /  Express  /  ASOS
Shoptiques  /  ASOS  /  Bloomingdale's  /  BCBG

 
 

I love this dress featured in a Bluefly email a couple weeks ago! I haven't been able to figure out the brand though - Bluefly customer service didn't know. Do you by chance know who the designer? 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Navy Jumpsuit

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(hover over photos to Pin on Pinterest)

 

Over the next couple days, I'll be sharing a preview of some outfits I'm planning to pack for our trip to Europe this spring! For me, one of the biggest style challenges with traveling is needing the absolute most comfy shoes on the planet, but still wanting to be somewhat stylish. This jumpsuit makes that possible, because it looks good with just about any shoe. I may also wear it with sandals I plan to pack, and here at home it could be dressed up with heels. Unfortunately this jumpsuit sold out really quickly online (update! it's back in stock here!!), but I gathered a bunch of similar options for you below!  

Jumpsuit: TJ Maxx, $25 (similar below)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $18 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Coach c/o Amazon, $60
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Hat is 1 year ago. Shoes are several months ago. Purse is recent. Jumpsuit is new. 

Saks Off 5th  /  ASOS  /  Maggy London  /  ASOS  /  ASOS
6pm.com  /  JOA  /  6pm.com  /  BooHoo  /  Simply Be

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ivory and Beige

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Inspiration: Gap

 

I gotta say, this catalog model is really selling me on an ivory and beige color combo for winter - she looks like she's having an absolute blast wearing it. And while I may not be exuding quite as much joy as she is, I can assure you that I am enjoying said color combo very much. The items from my closet are certainly no exact match, but I followed her formula of neutral stripes + ivory coat and a little fuzz up top. Also check out two more outfits with this sweater here and here!

Coat: Banana Republic, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $34 (similar below)
Jeans: Hudson/Nordstrom Rack, $79 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Coach c/o Amazon, $60
Hat: Kohl's c/o, $11 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Approx. dates: Coat is 8 years ago. Purse and hat are 1 year ago. Jeans, sweater, and shoes are last 6 months.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fun Pants

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Inspiration: BooHoo

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: dress pants are the worst! I generally avoid them to the point that I almost didn't buy the pair in today's post. (I had some issues finding my size initially, but I did eventually track them down.) As it turns out, I do really like wearing dress pants, I just hadn't found the right pair yet. So far, I have worn these pants in India, on a morning show, and today I'm giving them a try with sneakers. Stripe pants are all over stores, they are super comfy, and bonus - vertical stripes can be quite flattering. They've certainly got my vote for being the most fun dress pants around!

Jacket: H&M, $25 (similar, similar)
Tee: hand-me-down from my husband (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Banana Republic, $58 (similar below)
Shoes: Adidas c/o Amazon, $79
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Tee is 4 years ago. Pants and shoes are 1 year ago. Purse and jacket are last 6 months.

JCPenney  /  New York & Co.  /  Eloquii  /  Amazon
 Macy's  /  ASOS  /  New York & Co.  /  Nordstrom
ASOS  /  Target  /  6pm.com  /  Karen Millen

Today's Everyday Fashion: Style Strategy

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Inspiration: TopShop Facebook

 

I wore this purple-gray slip dress for a friend's wedding two years ago. I was inspired to pull it back out of the closet this year, when I started to see slip dresses popping up everywhere - in catalogs, street style photos, magazines. I especially like the idea of styling it with a leather jacket and booties, because there's something about combining a really feminine piece like silk or lace with a really masculine piece like leather that works so well in fashion. It's one of those style tricks I find myself coming back to again and again!

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Dress: H&M, $36 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Dress is 2 years ago. Purse and boots are 6 months ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: So Preppy

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Inspiration: D Dipasupil/Getty Images via whoWhatWear

 

Well guys, my outfit doesn't hold a candle to Olivia's Palermo's, but I certainly gave it my best shot! This flounce skirt has a similar plaid pattern as her pants, and my navy jacket has the same vibe, but from there the two looks differ greatly. I do like the idea of combining a flounce pencil skirt and riding boots for a chilly day at the office (comfy but polished, a winning combo in my book). I also really like how her belt and scarf are a darker color though, so perhaps a combo of the two versions could be put together for the ultimate outfit?!

Jacket: Zara, $90 (similar, similar, similar)
Turtleneck: H&M, $10 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar below)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Skirt is 3 years ago. Boots and belt are 2 years ago. Purse and turtleneck are 1 year ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bundled Up

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Winter has finally decided to make an appearance here in Central Florida! Temps are in the 50s, which means bundling up is in full effect. (Chilly for us, but certainly no Boston winter!) I spent all weekend in ponchos, faux fur vests and turtlenecks, much like today's look. This is my third time styling this poncho and while it is certainly the warmest of the three looks, I think it's also my favorite! Which version do you like best?

Poncho: Ross c/o, $20 (similar below)
Turtleneck: Kohl's c/o, $13 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Hudson/Nordstrom Rack, $79 (similar, similar)
Boots: New York & Co., $63 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Approx. dates: Boots and poncho are 1 year ago. Sweater, jeans and purse are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Mustard Cardigan

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Inspiration: Old Navy

 

Looking back 5-6 years ago, my mustard cardigan was my favorite thing in my closet. I still have (and wear) that original version that has more of a shrunken fit, but today's longer and thicker mustard cardigan also caught my eye. It's just as mustard-y in person as I had hoped and the outfit idea from the catalog photo was simple to re-create. Although looking at the photos now, I think I'd prefer the purse and boots to have the same texture. Right now one is smooth leather and the other suede, so sticking to either suede or smooth could be better next time!

Cardigan: Old Navy, $31
Top: Forever 21, $20 (similar below)
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: HSN c/o, $59 (same, same)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top is 4 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago. Boots, purse are recent. Cardigan is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Valentine's Day

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Inspiration: Shopbop

 

Red and pink is one of my all-time favorite color combos, and what better excuse to wear it than Valentine's Day?! Last year I wore a soft, feminine look with light pink florals and an ivory coat for dinner with the hubs. This year, I decided to go bold by combining a hot pink dress with a red wool coat and lace up heels. Sometimes for Valentine's Day we stick to outdoor activities (two years ago I surprised him with fishing poles and we spent the whole day fishing!), but if our holiday includes getting dressed up, this is the look I'll be throwing on for dinner!

Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58
Dress: Francesca's c/o, old (similar below)
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $11 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto c/o Off 5th, $70 (similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36
Approx. dates: Dress is 3 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Coat is recent.

Revolve  /  Amazon  /  Charlotte Russe
Shoptiques  /  ASOS  /  Nordstrom  /  ASOS
Amazon  /  ASOS  /  6pm.com

Today's Everyday Fashion: One Year Later

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So basically, I just copied an outfit I blogged one year ago? Yep, that is the topic of today's post! And while it's certainly not earth shattering, I think it's something we all do in our closets. We repeat our favorite outfits or items, continually "improving" them by switching to new jeans, a different belt, etc. I often don't arrive at an ideal outfit (for me) with a clothing item until I've had for a year or more. I do a little bit of tweaking each time I wear it, only to realize later how differently I'm wearing it, and how much more I like it now. This was a favorite cardigan last year, but I'm loving this year's version even more!

Cardigan: H&M, $25 (similar below)
Tee: Maison Jules/Macy's, $11
Jeans: Hudson/Nordstrom Rack, $79 (similar, similar)
Boots: Carlos Santana c/o, $59
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $29 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Cardigan, tee, belt and purse are 1 year ago. Jeans and boots are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Burgundy Sweater

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Inspiration: See Jane via Bloglovin'

 

One of the elements of fashion that fascinates me most is how our mood can affect what we choose to wear. If I'm feeling introverted or subdued, for example, I might choose a cozy sweater, neutral colors and comfortable shoes. Today's look is perfect for that type of "mood" - it makes me want to curl up with a good book or enjoy another low-key activity. This look has a similar comfort level to a hoodie, but more polish with the color combo and fun accessories. I've had this sweater for years and I'll definitely be using this idea for a new way to wear it this winter! 

Sweater: boutique c/o, old (similar below)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Boots: HSN c/o, $59 (same, same)
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $29 (similar, similar)
Hat: Magnolia Boutique c/o, $7
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two, Three
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Sweater is 4 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Hat and boots are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Business Casual

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Inspiration: Banana Republic

 

Navigating dress codes can be tricky - it's probably the most-asked style question I hear! And while each office or event comes with it's own nuances, I'd say that today's look lands safely in the "business casual" category. I put this look together based solely on the catalog photo - copying it right down to the shoes. The printed pants and fun color combo add a playful element to the otherwise professional feel. It's a great styling idea, and one I'd happily try given the right occasion for this dress code!  

Sweater: Banana Republic, $28 (similar below)
Top: Ralph Lauren outlet, $45 (similar below)
Coat: Banana Republic, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Gap, $28 (similar below)
Shoes: Coach c/o Amazon, $60
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Coat is 8 years ago. Pants, sweater and top are 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Shoes are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: True Story

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Inspiration: Stella & Dot

 

Neutrals are easy... all of them should just automatically "match," right? I recently got schooled on this, because this outfit took so many attempts! I am all about the inspiration outfit and wanted to create something similar, but it wound up being quite the puzzle. Maybe neutrals give you too many options, thus making it harder to narrow down? I can't say for sure, but I do know that I'm happy with the end result. (I will definitely keep tinkering with it, but the other looks I tried also don't hold a candle to this one.) Neutrals... not always as easy as they look!

Jacket: Wilson's Leather, $150
Tee: Urban Outfitters, $24 (similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $14 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50 (same, same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Skirt, belt, and tee are 1 year ago. Jacket, purse are recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Winter White

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Inspiration: Getty via Harper's Bazaar

 

Wearing bright colors is arguably my favorite, but there's something just as appealing about monochromatic outfits, too! All-white/ivory feels crisp and fresh, no matter the season. Inspired by the celebrity look, I paired a winter white coat, turtleneck and jeans, with cognac boots and purse. It's an unexpected but totally welcome color combo in the winter months. Check out another way I wore it last winter, here.

Sweater: Kohl's c/o, $13
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Coat: Banana Republic, $130 (similar below)
Boots: Steve Madden c/o Shoebuy (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses:  Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Coat is 8 years ago. Purse and jeans are 1 year ago. Sweater and boots are recent.

Amazon  /  Amazon  /  Nordstrom  /  Michael Kors  /  Amazon
Kenneth Cole  /  Amazon  /  Amazon  /  Macy's  /  Amazon

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue

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Inspiration: Stella & Dot

 

I would call today's look a "spring preview" but this is the weather we've been having lately! It certainly feels like spring, so I couldn't wait to give a necklace and earrings from Stella & Dot's spring collection a test drive. This look could also work with a cobalt wool coat, a cobalt pencil skirt, or white jeans for other seasons. I didn't originally intend to wear these earrings and necklace together but once they arrived I couldn't wait to try them as a combo. I love ocean blue tones on an otherwise simple look! 

Top: LOFT, $22 (similar below)
Jeans: Hudson/Nordstrom Rack, $79 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden c/o Ross, $25 (similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot One, Two, Three, Four
Approx. dates: Shirt, shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Jeans are recent. Earrings and necklace are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cobalt Runway

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Inspiration: 3.1 phillip lim spring 2017 via popsugar

 
 
 

The runway: where fashion is an art form, and for the most part, does not translate well into real life. Today's look is one exception, though, because cobalt, black and white is an awesome color combination that can be interpreted lots of different ways. So many ways, that I decided to put together two versions based on the runway inspiration. One could be for the office, the other for a date. One is more rock 'n' roll, the other is more retro.  I love that there are no rules in fashion, because really you can wear it anyway you'd like! Which version do you prefer?

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: J.Crew c/o thredUP, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $25 (similar below)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $73 (similar, similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: Saks OFF 5th, $13 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Shoes and skirt are 1 year ago. Top is 6 months ago.

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: J.Crew c/o thredUP, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: boutique c/o, $20 (similar below)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson c/o Ross, $32 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Saks OFF 5th, $13 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Top is 6 months ago. Shoes are recent.

 
 

New York & Co.  /  ASOS  /  Yook  /  Eloquii
Revolve  /  Amazon  /  Nasty Gal  /  Yook

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Perfect Sweater

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If there's such thing as the sweater lottery, then I've won it. Because not only is this sweater the exact lace up style that I wanted, and the first one I've seen under $50, but it's also so soft and comfy that I've already worn it three times! Ivory sweaters have always been a mainstay in my closet, and today's easy look is one I will definitely be throwing on again and again. What makes a sweater "perfect" for you?

Sweater: Magnolia Boutique c/o, $46 (available in 5 other colors)
Jeans: Hudson/Nordstrom Rack, $79 (similar, similar)
Boots: Steve Madden c/o Shoebuy (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse and sunglasses are 1 year ago. Jeans, boots are recent. Sweater is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Beret

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Guys, can we please make berets a thing, stat?! The inspiration is cute as a button, so I used a beret originally purchased as part of a Halloween costume to create an outfit with a similar vibe. While I love this look, there's also something about it that doesn't necessarily feel achievable for real life. It feels a bit like a costume (perhaps because that was the hat's original use?!), and the last thing I ever want to be in my clothes is self-conscious or distracted by what I'm wearing. I'm usually a fashion rebel but berets may not be mainstream enough yet, even for me. What's your take on berets?

Shirt: H&M, $6 (similar below)
Skirt: Macy's, $28
Shoes: Me Too/Marshall's, $28 (similar below)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Hat:  H&M, $10 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Shirt is 1 year ago. Hat and purse are recent. Skirt is new.

Ringing in the New Year with Ross

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If your New Year’s resolution includes a fitness goal, or if you’re simply in the market for more active wear, then I must tell you about one of my favorite places to shop for it – Ross Dress for Less! This time of year they have a great selection of sneakers, yoga capris, tank tops, t-shirts and sweatshirts for both men and women at amazing prices.

A year ago last January I picked up the lavender tank top and pastel leggings in the photos above. It's one of my favorite workout outfits thanks to both the comfort and the mix of pretty pastel colors. Below, you'll find two additional active looks I found at Ross this year. You simply can’t beat the prices, and they carry all of the best athletic brands!

Which active look is most your style? Have you ever shopped for fitness gear at Ross? 

 

Shirt, $7.99
Pants, $6.99

Shirt, $16.99
Pants, $9.99

 

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Groutfit

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Inspiration: Happily Grey via Popsugar

 

Getting creative with fashion is without a doubt one of the biggest joys of my life. I so enjoy making crazy color combos, mixing prints, and piling on fun accessories. But the reality of style, in the day to day, is often throwing on something (anything!) as I run out the door. Today's post is a look i've been throwing on a lot lately. It may not look like much, but it is actually one of the year's biggest trends, the "groutfit" (aka gray outfit). I feel put together and polished in this look, and all that monochromatic yumminess is actually quite fun to wear. I highly recommend giving groutfits a try!

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar below)
Tee: boutique c/o (similar below)
Jeans: Jessica Simpson c/o Bealls, $52
Boots: Shoebuy c/o, $50 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Sunglasses: Francesca's (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two, Three
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Tee is 2 years ago. Jeans and boots are recent.