Today's Everyday Fashion: Petoskey Marina

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Our Lake Michigan travel diary continues today! On our first day in town, Joshua and I did some exploring: Petoskey Marina and waterfall, and Stafford's Bay View Inn in Bay View. This section of Lake Michigan (Little Traverse Bay) seems to have cute little towns and marinas at every turn, which proved to be the perfect backdrop for this outfit. I ordered the gingham top from Target about a month ago, and searched until I found the perfect pair of shorts to go with it. The resulting outfit has a retro vibe that I absolutely love, and on such a perfect sunny day it felt like a celebration of summer. We had so much fun exploring this area and taking pictures. Tune in tomorrow for another must-see Michigan town! 

Top: Target, $20 (also in pink)
Shorts: ModCloth c/o, $30 (old gift card)
Shoes: Marc Fisher c/o Amazon, $89
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Mud Pie c/o, $19 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $18 (fair trade, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 1 year ago. Earrings, hat and sunglasses are recent. Top, shorts and shoes are new.

Book Updates: Two Interviews + The Audio Book

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I'm spending this week in a pretty unlikely place: a recording studio! Not to do any singing (thankfully) but to record the audio book for J's Everyday Fashion and Faith: Personal Style With Purpose. I'm honored to be chosen to do it, and truly looking forward to doing the voice work myself, because I'm hoping it will add another dimension to the personal stories in the book.

Our Michigan content will start back up tomorrow with four more outfits, but in the meantime I wanted to share a podcast interview with Orlando Lady Boss about the book, which you can listen to online. Also check me out in the summer issue of Connect Faith, below! You can read our interview on their website. 

 

Photo credit: @meetinrogers

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bay View Cottages

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What does one wear to a family reunion on Lake Michigan?! That's the question I faced when packing for our recent trip to Bay View. The main event was dinner on the bay, complete with family portrait, and I wore this floral maxi dress (originally featured just a few months ago). Maxi dresses are great when you're not sure how dressed up you need to be, because they really read both ways - comfy and casual, but also pretty and polished. After dinner, Joshua and I toured colorful cottages around Bay View, with their Victorian style architecture and lawns brimming with flowers. One of my favorite cottages is the pictured "Painted Lady" above, and the bursts of pink and blue hydrangeas at the cottage below are my pick for prettiest yard!

Dress: Eliza J/Nordstrom, $158
Shoes: JCPenney c/o, $30 (in blush)
Hat: ModCloth c/o, $34 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar)
Purse: Mud Pie c/o, $36
Earrings: boutique, old (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Earrings are 6 years ago. Hat is 1 year ago. Shoes, dress are 6 months ago.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Welcome to Bay View

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Joshua and I recently spent a week at Lake Michigan, and we're kicking off the resulting photo series and travel guide with a very special place: Bay View. It was my first time visiting Bay View, but my husband's family has owned property there for 100 years! We joined the centennial celebration with more than 50 other family members who traveled from far and wide to attend. Today's pictures were taken just steps from the family cottage we stayed in, at the Bay View boat house and dock, an essential gathering place for long summer days spent swimming, sailing and socializing. It's pretty in photos but in person it's even more stunning: the water glitters across the bay dotted with crisp white sails, and the sun sets deliciously slow, with shades of red and orange that linger for hours. A light sweater with shorts was the perfect outfit for a sunset walk on the sand, to ward off any chill in the air while soaking up the last bits of sunshine. If this is what Lake Michigan summers look and feel like, then consider me a new convert. I can't wait to share more of the beauty that this state holds with you!

Top: Banana Republic, $22 (similar below)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Limited, $19 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Soludos c/o Nordstrom, $55 (same)
Hat: ModCloth c/o, $34 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Sweater is 3 years ago. Shorts are 2 years ago. Top and shoes are 1 year ago.

LL Bean  /  Zappos  /  Saks Off 5th
Neiman Marcus  /   Dillard's  /  Nordstrom  /  Gap
Gap  /  Gap  /  Express

(Aerial View of Same Location at sunset  //   ALl Images @JoshuaCJohnson)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink and Yellow

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Inspiration: J.Crew

 

I came out in this outfit and my husband asks, "Pink and yellow, is that a thing? (a common color combo?)" To which I replied, "Not that I know of, but I saw it in a J.Crew catalog and it works." It feels like a bonus that it doesn't remind me of any sports team or specific branding! Maybe this shade of pink and yellow are a stretch, but colorful things in my closet have a way of finding each other over time. Nothing better than color mixing and blocking and I love having another way of achieving that with what I already own!

Top:  J.Crew, $39 (same)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $30
Shoes: Missguided c/o, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: BaubleBar, $32
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Top, skirt and earrings are recent.

ASOS   /  ASOS  /  Lands' End  /  Shoptiques  /  Boden
Eloquii  /  Amazon  /  Shoptiques  /  H&M  /  Eloquii

Today's Everyday Fashion: Military Ruffles

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Inspiration: SHopbop

 

Today's post is the perfect example of why I use inspiration photos to come up with outfit ideas! This is just not a concept I would've come up with on my own. I had this blue ruffle shirt in a different style category in my head, but it turns out that getting outside that safe zone is where the magic really happens. (This is my 4th look with this top and quite possibly my favorite so far!) The feminine ruffle paired with more masculine cargo pockets creates a great balance, and I'm really digging the color combo. Have you ever re-created an outfit you liked from Pinterest or a catalog? 

Top: H&M, $34 (similar below)
Skirt: LOFT, $14 (similar below)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar below)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50 (same, similar, similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (similar, similar)
Bracelets and rings: My Stella & Dot One, Two, Three
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Skirt, belt and purse are 1 year ago. Top is a few months ago. 

Shopbop  /  Gap  /  LOFT  /  Bloomingdale's
Old Navy  /  Target  /  Brooks Brothers  /  Macy's
Brooks Brothers  /  H&M  /  H&M  /  LOFT

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mannequin Inspired

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Inspiration: J.Crew Factory  TOP  /  NECKLACE

 

As you're leaving the store you spot it: an adorable outfit on the mannequin! Do you run back and grab the items and take them to the register? Yes! Or you could snap photo and re-create the look with what you already have at home! After thinking about it for a few seconds, I realized that I have similar blue jewelry, and thought I'd try my chances with whatever stripes were in my closet. The end result is so fun, and similar to the mannequin version, that I'm definitely glad I gave it a shot!

Top: Limited, $25 (similar below)
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $27 (similar, similar, similar)
Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar, similar) 
Sneakers: Adidas c/o, $52 (same)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same, same)
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o, $55
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top is 4 years ago. Purse, shorts, necklace and earrings are 1 year ago. Sneakers are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Remixing The Old

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Inspiration: Whit via Hautelook

 

I recently spent a rainy afternoon brainstorming new combinations from my closet with things I already own. It turned out to be really fun, and productive! I don't know about you guys but I often feel pressure as a blogger to have head to toe "new" outfits everyday, but it's just not my ideal closet situation. I love that remixing is more sustainable and cheaper (not to mention basically, like, the norm for 99% of people) compared to always shopping new, and I see it as an exciting puzzle figuring out ways things can potentially fit together. The catalog photo was my guide for today's outfit, and it wound up being a mix of two past favorites (here and here). Can't wait to share more results with you over the next 3 days!

Top: H&M, $40 (similar below)
Pants: Banana Republic, $58 (similar below)
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similar below)
Hat: Mud Pie c/o, $19 (similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Pants, top, shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Hat and earrings are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: All The Colorful Earrings

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I'm calling it now - this is the summer of statement earrings. (Although I once said that about statement necklaces and they are still going strong 10 years later!) I'm certainly having fun with them this summer, and what better way to showcase a stunning work of art on your ear lobe than with a yellow ruffle one- shoulder top? Yellow is one of my favorite colors to wear, and this particular orange-y shade is new to my closet, and I love the dramatic shape. If you're looking for a more casual version, I recommend this top from J.Crew Factory - it's the same shade of yellow and really cute on! 
 
Top: J.Crew, $39 (same)
Jeans: Levi's c/o Kohl's, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: H&M, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Mud Pie c/o, $19 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Earrings: J.Crew, $43
Bracelets: Macy's, $13 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Shoes and jeans are 1 year ago. Hat is recent. Earrings and top are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: So Many Tassels

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Today we explore the question: how many tassels is too many tassels? Because too many of a good thing is not a good thing, right? I've got tassels on my shirt, hanging from my bag, and on my earrings. For me, this look works - it feels festive and I would wear it to the beach. It's also possible I'll look back on this outfit someday and think it was one (or twelve) tassels too many. Time will tell... in the meantime, I'm having fun! 

Top: J.Crew c/o thredUP, $13 (similar below)
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $27 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $33
Hat: ModCloth c/o, $34 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag charm: Francesca's, $14 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $18 (fair trade, similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Hat, shorts are 1 year ago. Bag, bag charm, earrings are last few months. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Busy Neutrals

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Inspiration: Gap

 

It may come as no surprise that I prefer my clothes colorful! (The more colorful, the better, usually.) But there's another type of outfit I love, and that's busy neutrals. Little hints of color like turquoise, cut outs on a dress, printed leopard shoes, a black and white pattern on my earrings and the fringe on my purse. All those busy little details combined together make just as much magic as color - maybe even more so! 

Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar, similar) 
Dress: boutique c/o, old (similar below)
Shoes: Old Navy, $20 (heels, heels, heels)
Hat: Mud Pie c/o, $19 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Dress is 2 years ago. Jacket and purse is 1 year ago. Sunglasses are 6 months ago. Shoes, hat are recent. Earrings are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fiesta Earrings

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I call these my fiesta earrings because they are bringing the party to this outfit. They were on backorder for the past two months so when they finally arrived this week, I dove right in and created this look around them. (And yes that's a bandage on my right hand - I took a nasty spill while out for a jog and will be on the mend for a few days unfortunately!)

Top: JOA c/o Bloomingdale's, $52 (similar below)
Skirt: J.Crew c/o thredUP, $28 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: JustFab, $39 (similar, similar) 
Purse: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: BaubleBar, $32
Approx. dates: Purse is 6 years ago. Shoes are 4 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Skirt is recent. Earrings are new.

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Also -  I'm doing a closet sale this Friday! Brand new Stella & Dot, a Michael Kors purse, a Trina Turk dress, and lots more. The sale is one night only and will take place via email - so make sure you are signed up: use the box above or go here. The email will go out Friday at 5pm EST. If anything is left, we will post remaining items on Facebook at 7pm EST!

Three Looks On a Budget With Magnolia Boutique

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Kimono  /  Top  /  Jeans  /  Necklace

Kimono  /  Top  /  Jeans  /  Necklace

 

A picture is worth a thousand words, which is why I don’t have to tell you how cute these looks from Magnolia Boutique are – you can see for yourself! Here are a five reasons I count Magnolia as one of the best boutiques:

  1. Free shipping on all orders.
  2. Their aesthetic is the perfect blend of boho chic, feminine and edgy.
  3. Their prices are awesome. Everything is today’s post is under $50!
  4. Their items last. Several Magnolia pieces in my closet are favorites I’m still wearing years later.
  5. Their selection is unique. Chances are when you shop Magnolia you won’t show up to the party wearing the same thing as someone else!

I had so much fun putting together three looks from Magnolia’s website, but I'm only keeping one. Which one is your favorite / what should I keep?

 

Kimono  /  Top  /  Jeans  /  Necklace

 

Top  /  Top  /  Dress
Cardigan   /  Dress  /  Romper
Top   /  Top  /  Top

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: 5 Years Later

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Inspiration: Pinterest

 

You know your (style) life has come full circle when you find yourself, 5 years later, re-creating the same inspiration photo. (See the original post here.) I said then that these colors remind me of a cheerful '50s diner and that still rings true today. Seeing the photos of today's look, I think it'd go with nude shoes instead. I like the retro color blocking idea, but the black part of the shoe seems too harsh. I love this mix of mint accessories though, and will definitely have to wear this combo together again soon!

Top: boutique c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $39 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: H&M, $35 (similar, similar)
Purse: Forever 21, $18 (similar, similar)
Bracelets: Mud Pie c/o and Banana Republic, $10
Necklace: Windsor Store c/o, old
Ring: H&M in India, $3
Approx. dates: Shoes, necklace, purse and bangle are 5 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Top is 1 year. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Statement Piece

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If you're familiar with my blog then you know I'm ALL about statement pieces. Even as I'm shopping for basics I will spot something neon, ruffled, floral (or all of the above) across the store and I'm drawn to it like a millennial to a gluten-free artisanal donut. Which leaves me with this predicament: on a limited budget, how do I narrow down which statement pieces to buy? Here are six questions I ask myself:

1. Do I want to change anything about it? I love the print and fit of these shorts, but if I'm honest with myself, I'd rather the material be matte and not shiny.
2. What's my budget and what else could I buy? I really like these shorts, but I probably like other statement items I'm considering right now better, including the white pair below. (Budgets are dope because they help you envision the give-and-take of limited funds.)
3. Do I immediately want to wear it? If I'm not wearing it as soon as it arrives, then trouble could be brewing. (Unless it's super fancy and purchased for a specific event.) I haven't worn these shorts yet, despite having several social engagements they would've worked for. No bueno.
4. Is it comfortable/does it fit? These shorts are one bloated belly away from not fitting quite right, due to the shiny material and high waist fit. Which certainly won't make them any easier to "throw on."
5. Can I imagine wearing it in 10 years? Tastes change as we age and there's no way to be certain, but if I can't at all fathom wearing it in 10 years, then skip. 
6. Can I wear it different ways/for different occasions? I like to have a general idea of three ways I could wear it and/or three places I could wear it. I can think of several places to wear this look, but as far as styling goes... these shorts may be a one trick pony.

What are your tips and tricks for purchasing statement pieces for your closet? 

Top: H&M, $6 (similar, similar)
Shorts: H&M, $40 (similar)
Shoes: JustFab, $39 (similar, similar) 
Earrings: J.Crew Factory, $15
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar)
Hat: JCPenney c/o, $13 (similar, similar)
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 6 years ago. Shoes are 4 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Hat was 6 months ago. Earrings are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Pineapple

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I'm on the hunt for all things frilly and tropical this summer because a. it's summer b. I live in Florida and c. we are headed to a tropical destination next month! Sometimes I'm less hesitant to buy prints due to their perceived lack of longevity (will I love this top in 6 years the way I would something classic?) but this recent post inspired me to just go for it. (With a coupon, of course.) It's a top that can be worn both off shoulder and on, with jeans and shorts, heels or flats. Now comes the biggest challenge: not repeating it so many times between now and our trip that it still feels new!

Top: J.Crew, $39
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $27 (similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot
Heels: JustFab, $39
Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $33
Hat: JCPenney c/o, $13 (similar, similar)
Earrings: J.Crew Factory, $15
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Purse, shorts, sunglasses are 1 year ago. Earrings are recent. Top is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Concert Tee Debate

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Inspiration: Margo Robbie via Mega

 

It's a long-debated topic: is it okay to wear a t-shirt with a band you don't regularly listen to on it? Or one that's touting a subculture you don't otherwise engage in, like Star Trek, Disney, Harley, etc.? Up until now, I've been wearing whatever band t-shirt I want thankyouverymuch, so I found this recent article "Opinion: Stop Making Metal a Fashion Statement" fascinating. Like the title suggests, the author would absolutely like you to stop wearing said t-shirts if you didn't go to the concert or buy the album. However...

  • Even if you purchase a band t-shirt from a store like Forever 21, that band is still getting a royalty. So technically you are showing support and respect for that artist, right? And is buying a t-shirt that's merely suggestive of rock or metal, then, better or worse than wearing a genuine logo?
  • Should personal style be treated differently than other "arts"? For example, are you expected to have in-depth of knowledge of the culture surrounding the food you are eating and preparing, or can you feel free to dabble with any flavor or recipes? 
  • Should curiosity of subcultures be encouraged as a positive thing, or is all-or-nothing loyalty required to participate? When I consider someone wearing something that represents a subculture that I belong to or follow (the popularity of the shape of a cross, for example), as long as they aren't making fun of it, I would be happy and would encourage healthy exploration. 

Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. I clearly enjoy a good band t-shirt (other looks I've done with them here, here, here and here) and would wear today's look for a concert or an outdoor event!

Top: H&M, $19 (similar below)
Shorts: American Eagle, $38
Belt: Forever 21, $9 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Stitch Fix c/o (same)
Hat: boutique c/o, $7 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 4 years ago. Boots, hat, top are last year. Shorts are 6 months ago.

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four
Five  /  Six  /  Seven  /  Eight
Nine  /  Ten  /  Eleven  /  Twelve

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Look For Less

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Inspiration: JenN Lake and J.Crew

 

So you've spotted a catalog outfit that you'd love to wear in real life, what's a girl to do? The way I see it you have two options: buy the outfit from the catalog, or re-create it using similar items in your closet. And while I've certainly bought the outfit from the catalog before (the items are guaranteed to look good together that way!), re-creating still takes the cake for me. It's cheaper (cough, free!), better for the environment and overall I love the feeling of getting creative and putting my own spin on it!

Top: H&M, $34
Pants: Limited, $35
Shoes: Windsor Store c/o, $27 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same, same)
Earrings: J.Crew Factory, $15
Approx. dates: Pants and shoes are 4 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Top is recent. Earrings are new.

Shopbop  /  Bloomingdale's  /  LOFT  /  Saks Off 5th
Amazon  /  Macy's  /  Amazon  /  Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Back In Stock

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Great news if you were diggin' this floral kimono from previous posts - it's now back in stock! I wore it with a white jumpsuit and red heels for a fundraiser, with jeans and a halter sweater in Italy, and today I'm following my inspiration to a "t" by pairing it with a white tunic, denim shorts and a brown belt. I love all three for different reasons but today's breezy boho look is great for the summer weather. It's not easy looking put together in the heat but a long lightweight layer like this kimono is the perfect solution! 

Kimono: Sole Society, $33
Top: Victoria's Secret, old (similar below)
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $58 (similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20 (similar, similar)
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $29 (similar, similar)
Shoes: H&M, $20 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot and Hawaii souvenir
Approx. dates: Belt is 10 years ago. Top is 6 years ago. Shorts, shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Kimono is 6 months ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink Flamingos

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At some point in the last couple years pink flamingos went from a somewhat cheesy lawn ornament to one of the hottest prints for summer. And my goodness what an adorable style statement they make. Whether it's a pool float, flamingo socks, tops or skirts (see below) - it's all just way too much fun! I couldn't wait to pair this ruffle collar top with a pencil skirt in the perfect shade of flamingo pink. (Those once cheesy lawn ornaments may even be growing on me now, too!) Do you like flamingo motifs?

Top: Mud Pie c/o, $51
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $30
Shoes: JCPenney c/o, $30 (in blush)
Purse: Aldo c/o, $40 (similar, similar) 
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36 (similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and earrings are 1 year ago. Shoes are several months ago. Top and skirt are recent.