Today's Everyday Fashion: Fashion Scraps

/
 
 

I saw a promo for the cooking show "Scraps" the other day - and the host is out of his mind excited about using food scraps that are usually discarded to create "decadent" meals. I thought, this is probably how I sound to people when I get really excited about re-using clothing I already own, or making something work in an outfit that wouldn't usually be top-of-mind (in other words, making fashion scraps fun!). Today's outfit is the perfect example. I got this J.Crew skirt secondhand, which means I love it even more, plus there's an identical skirt in stock at J.Crew right now. That has to be the best kind of secondhand find - when it's literally still in stock full price!? My other favorite thing is the combination of an old favorite necklace, with a new necklace to create the ultimate necklace. Buying secondhand, re-using the old... does it get any better? What can I say, I like fashion scraps the most!  

Top: LOFT, $22 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: J.Crew c/o thredUP, $19 (same, longer, burgundy)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $73 (same, similar, similar)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot (similar below)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Large necklace is 3 years ago. Top, shoes, purse are 1 year ago. Skirt, sunglasses are recent. Feather necklace is new.

All Girls Campaign With boohoo

/

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

 

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Sunglasses

 

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Sunglasses  /  Shoes

 
 

I’m so excited to be participating in boohoo’s All Girls campaign today! The campaign is on TV and online, with the overall idea to get the conversation going about “the importance of girls of all shapes, sizes, looks, and personalities.” From day one, J’s Everyday Fashion has been about making fashion inclusive and something all women (yes, all – nothing about any woman should not be included!) feel welcome to enjoy, so needless to say I am totally on board with this idea!

In support of the campaign, I was asked to put together one head-to-toe look from boohoo’s site using an item from the All Girls campaign. I chose these ridiculously fun pink sunglasses as my item, and then created an outfit around that. Boohoo has great suede moto jackets in every color of the rainbow, so a blush moto jacket came next, followed by a floral dress with shoulder cut outs, and baby pink suede block heels to finish the look. All of the items look great in person and were super-affordable - the entire look was only $100!

Learn more about the boohoo All Girls campaign, and check out more of my boohoo favorites below!

Jacket  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Top
Sunglasses  /  Shoes  /  Shoes  /  Purse
Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress

Today's Everyday Fashion: Easing Into Fall

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: Stella & Dot 

 

The goal for today's outfit was two-fold: to make a suede skirt (generally considered a fall trend) work even though it's still warm outside. And to make fringe accessories (generally considered a summer trend) work for fall. With the inspiration photo as my guide, the two trends meet perfectly in the middle of the seasonal shift, and make the transition seamlessly. I'm always looking for new ways to wear things in my closet, and I especially love when they cross into other seasons!

Top: LOFT, $24 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $26 (similar below)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50 (same, similar, similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (similar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Top is a few months ago. Purse is recent.

Shopbop  /  Forever 21  /  LOFT
boohoo  /  LOFT  /  1.State
6pm.com  /  LOFT  /  J.Crew Factory

Stylish Clothes For Work With Lark & Ro

/

Today’s post is sponsored by Amazon Fashion and Lark & Ro. All opinions, clothing selections, and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 
 

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

Who says work clothes have to be boring?! They can certainly be appropriate, comfortable and so much fun at the same time – just take the two outfits in today’s post with Lark & Ro!

The first dress above is all about the color – a unique pinkish lavender shade that is so flattering. I love it when brands offer work dresses in fun shapes or colors, and this one is both with the unique ruching detail around the neck. Lark & Ro makes several dresses in this shade, so you can choose the best shape for you. (Note: I’m wearing the size S here, the fitted styles run a little small.)

Below is another fun work look – a blush pink bell sleeve top with the prettiest floral pattern. (Wearing the XS.) I paired it with my own blue skirt from several years ago, but Lark & Ro offers several skirts in this color in different shapes to create an easy outfit. Plus, this top can be worn again and again with jeans on the weekend, for just about any occasion!

Lark & Ro is a private label fashion brand owned by Amazon, and is available exclusively to Prime members. Have you ever shopped Lark & Ro? Which outfit do you like better?

 

Top  /  similar skirts below

Top  /  similar skirts below

Top  /  similar skirts below

 

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink Polka Dots

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: Boden via Pinterest

 

I'm having one of those days where I really miss working in an office, and this outfit is only making it worse! Because it'd be the perfect place to bust out this pink, yellow and orange polka dot ensemble. In fact, it works both ways - it's a place to wear fun outfits, and fun outfits make the (work) place more fun. A bright combo like my inspiration, or my resulting look, is sure to brighten up any TGIF blues!

Top: ModCloth, $20
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Saks Off 5th, $60 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off 5th, $130 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Cardigan and purse are 5 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Skirt is recent.  

J. Crew  /  Talbots  /  Nordstrom Rack  /  QVC
Asos  /  Asos  /  Macy's
Talbots  /  Nordstrom Rack  /  Macy's  /  Asos

Today's Everyday Fashion: Same Combo Every Fall

/
 
 
 
 

Every year around mid-August it's like clockwork: I can't wait to put together a crisp black and white outfit! (See below for my 2015 and 2016 versions.) Today's look is also a "head shot" look - perfect for occasions when only your head and shoulders will be visible like the dinner table, an important meeting, or appearing on TV. A statement necklace over a white shirt makes the necklace pop and provides a frame for the literal piece of art hanging around your neck. I already have a feeling I'll be sharing another black and white "head shot" look next year. It always feels fresh! 

Top: Saks Off Fifth, $30 (similar below)
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (same, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Sunglasses: Express, $25 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top, skirt are 2 years ago. Shoes, purse are 1 year ago. Necklace is new.

 

Outfits One, Two

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Getting Creative

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: NM Last Call

 

If I buy a pair of white shorts, I expect to wear them forever. That is, I've learned, until a few summers later when high-waisted shapes come roaring in and I'm tempted to get a pair so I can achieve that type of (drool-worthy) look! Or I can buy a classic gingham top for life, for example, only to find myself wanting gingham as an off-shoulder top,  romper, or any number of configurations - rendering my "plain" gingham top no fun. Which is precisely why I love today's look so much. It takes your regular 'ole gingham top and makes it a new and exciting shape (by tying it in the front - hardly a new trick) - a shape that happens to pair well with this summer's high-waisted shorts. I find re-purposing colors to be pretty easy, but shapes are harder to get creative with, so I love how fresh this trick makes this gingham top feel!

Top: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Mud Pie c/o, $50
Shoes: Macy's c/o, $40
Bag: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar)
Bag charm: street vendor in India (similar, similar)
Earrings: J.Crew, $43 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Bag charm is 1 year ago. Shoes, bag, shorts, earrings and sunglasses are this summer.

 
 

The Most Fun Place To Shop + $250 Giveaway

/

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

 
 

I’d like to officially nominate thredUP for being one of the most fun places to shop of all time! Because where else can you get prices this low on quality, name-brand items?! I love a good deal, but that doesn't mean I want cheap items that don’t last more than one season. Enter thredUP, the world's largest online consignment store offering up to 90% off retail, which is the perfect solution for those of us who want to add new and exciting things to our closet, and to do so responsibly. 

Want to know what really makes thredUP fun, though? How about 15,000 items added daily, so there’s always something new? Or free shipping both directions on qualified orders so your purchases are risk-free? Or the way your order arrives in a cute polka dot package, wrapped in tissue paper, like a boutique?

But don’t take my word for it – give browsing a try! Fill out your size profile (which you only have to do once - as long as you are logged in, it will only show things in your size). Then, head to “New Arrivals” under the Clothing, Premium or Designer tabs - I check those places first. Next, try searching for your favorite brands, like J. Crew and Banana. You can save things to your Favorites by clicking the heart icon, and in no time you’ll have complete outfits for under $50, like the ones I’m wearing in today’s post. Check out how much money I saved: 

Outfit 1
J. Crew floral cardigan, $31 (orig. $110)
J. Crew purple skirt, $26 (orig. $128)

Outfit 2
Banana Republic polka dot top, $23 (orig. $89)
J. Crew pleated skirt, $19 (orig. $98)
Banana Republic navy blazer, $48 (orig. $178)

Outfit 3
J. Crew snake top, $19 (orig. $89)
J. Crew faux leather skirt, $16 (orig. $98)

While you were browsing I'm willing to bet you found something you love! So be sure to leave a comment on this blog post with a link to your favorite thredUP item to be entered to win a $250 shopping spree to thredUP. (We will randomly select and notify the winner via email on 8/29.) And for first-time customers, the first 100 people to use my code EVERYDAY40 will get an extra 40% off their order. (Applies to new US customers only. Redeemable online only. Discount up to $50.)

What are you waiting for?! Head to the comments to enter!

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Bubble Necklace Returns

/
 
 
 

Inspiration: J.Crew via Pinterest

 

This bow top was one of my favorite finds this summer, so there is no way I was going to let the season pass having only worn it once! I first styled it with white shorts for July 4th, and today I'm showing the "office version," with jeans and a cardigan. My inspiration is an old catalog photo. The tops are similar - light blue with a slight peplum shape. Originally, I planned to wear a green cardigan and turquoise bubble necklace to match the photo but after playing around with different colors I liked this pastel yellow and pink combo even better! Could this mean that bubble necklaces are "back in style"? No idea... just really liked this outfit, so I wore it and didn't think twice about it! ;-) 

Top: H&M, $35 (similar below)
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $13 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar)
Shoes: JCPenney c/o, $30 (in blush)
Bag: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar)
Hat: Target, $15 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Necklace: boutique c/o, old (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 7 years ago. Necklace is 5 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago. Top, shoes, purse and hat are last few months. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Rainbow Skirt

/
 
 
 
 
 
 

I'm constantly professing my love for color - I like to say that I crave color the way someone might crave a juicy hamburger! So, I figured, why not wear all the colors together at once? Like, on a skirt that's basically a big rainbow? And I have to say... it was glorious. There is so much happy in this skirt, it's a celebration of ROYGBIV to the nth degree. Skirt is still in stock and available up to 2X here, and I love the idea from the inspiration photo to pair it with a white top!

Top: H&M, $35 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: ModCloth c/o, $33 (via old gift card)
Shoes: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto c/o Off 5th, $70 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: J.Crew Factory, $15
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are 2 years ago. Earrings and top are recent. Skirt is new.

Nordstrom  /  6pm.com  /  Macy's  /  Macy's
Zappos  /  Amazon  /  Nordstrom  /  Amazon
Amazon   /  Amazon  /  Target  /  TJ Maxx
Macy's  /  Amazon  /  Target  /  Amazon

Back to School With Lark & Ro

/

Today’s post is sponsored by Amazon Fashion and Lark & Ro. All opinions, clothing selections, and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 
 
 
 

It might be mid-August, but the seasonal shift is already happening – you can feel it in the air! As the kiddos around us are headed back to school (and some adults too!), there’s a nostalgic instinct to start back-to-school shopping, with a shift towards fall colors and more serious work clothes. (Say goodbye to bikinis and pom poms! Sigh.)

The timing is spot on for today’s post with Lark & Ro – the items are well-made, modest, and perfect for work. They can be worn now in the warmer weather, and with a blazer or cardigan as we transition into cooler fall weather. A private label fashion brand owned by Amazon, Lark & Ro is available exclusively to Prime members and mostly in the $59-79 price range. I picked out two outfits for today’s post. (I’m wearing a S in the dress, and added the white belt because it’s a bit big. The navy outfit, below, is a size XS, and the skirt is just a tad small.) I like both for different reasons – it’s hard to pick a favorite!

Have you ever shopped Lark & Ro? Which outfit do you like better?

 

Top  /  Skirt

Top  /  Skirt  /  Purse

Top  /  Skirt  /  Earrings

 

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mickey Mouse Club

/
 

Inspiration: StyleCaster

 
 
 

Carrie Bradshaw did it first, and all these years later, a Mickey Mouse t-shirt is still so much more than a souvenir... it's become a fashion symbol! One popular way to wear it is with a pencil skirt, like my inspiration photos above. I realize this may not be the everyday woman's first choice for the office, however, it's a clever way to incorporate a team shirt for spirit day (or the like) - by adding a pencil skirt, heels and layering statement necklaces to dress it up. 

Top: Kohl's c/o, $10 (similar below)
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)
Skirt: J.Crew c/o thredUP, $13 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $23 (similar)
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same)
Necklaces: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 5 years ago. Necklaces are 3 years ago. Top and purse are 1 year ago. Skirt and shoes are new.

 

Inspiration: Shopbop

 
 
 

Another idea for wearing a Mickey tee (or really any graphic tee) is by pairing it with patch denim and studded leather - two of the biggest trends for fall. This look is totally over the top and yet totally laid back and casual. Will be wearing this one for a travel day when the weather cools off!

How would you wear this trend? Which outfit do you like better? 

Top: Kohl's c/o, $10
Jacket: Urban Outfitters, $99 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Kohl's, $10
Sneakers: Adidas c/o Amazon, $79
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same)
Approx. dates: Sneakers, purse, jacket and top are 1 year ago. Jeans are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Halter Sweater x 3

/
 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: @claudiagraziano via WhoWhatWear

 

Over the weekend I was inspired to pair my favorite halter sweater with denim shorts for a simple look. So far I've worn this top with a colorful kimono and ankle boots in Cinque Terre, and with a leather jacket and slides at Nascar. It's been super hot in Orlando lately, so my third look with this top is a better fit for the warmer weather, but arguably still packs just as much panache!

Top: TJ Maxx, $12
Shorts: Levi's c/o, $58 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Franco Sarto c/o DSW, $49 (similar, similar)
Hat: Mud Pie, $19 (similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Shorts, purse are 1 year ago. Top is 6 months ago. Hat and sunglasses are recent.

LOFT  /  Kohl's  /  Zappos  /  Nordstrom Rack
Lord & Taylor  /  LOFT  /  Forever 21  /  LOFT

 

Outfits One  // Three

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: After Church

/
 
 
 
 

We snapped these photos after church yesterday! It's a pretty chill place, so I usually try to strike a balance of "looking nice" but also keeping it casual. I'm perpetually slow moving in the morning and no good at coming up with outfit ideas under those conditions, but I've learned from my mistakes and now refer back to brainstorming sessions I had when I was in my right mind. (I save ideas on my phone and then scroll through them when I need to get dressed.) After my first outfit with this pineapple print top last month, I challenged myself to find a way to wear it with a skirt and wound up really liking this color/print combination, especially with the denim jacket! 

Top: J.Crew, $39 (dress version)
Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar, similar)
Skirt: ModCloth c/o, $35
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $33
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Stein Mart, $149 (same)
Earrings: J.Crew Factory, $15
Approx. dates: Purse and jacket are 1 year ago. Skirt, shoes are several months ago. Top and earrings are recent.

12 Things To Do in Northwest Michigan

/

Joshua and I recently spent a week with his family in beautiful Northwest Michigan. During our trip, we discovered so many fun places to visit, that we wanted to compile a list. If you ever find yourself in the area (concentrated around Bay View where we stayed, dotted along Little Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan) - here are 12 things to do!

1. Take a walking or driving tour of Bay View
Named one of the 12 "Prettiest Painted Places" in the country by The Paint Institute, this association of approximately 450 cottages is too cute not to stop and tour. Make Stafford's Inn and adjacent Memorial Garden part of your tour as well.
2. Attend a concert
Bay View's bustling arts program will keep you entertained all summer long. Check out the many concerts and musical theater performances open to the public here.
 

3.  Visit downtown Petoskey and marina
This cute little town has everything you could ever want for a leisurely afternoon of shopping, dining and taking in the sites. Have lunch at Julienne Tomatoes, hit up the many shopping options, and take a stroll along the Petoskey Marina.
4.  Swim at Petoskey State Park
Looking to take a swim on a sandy beach? Hit up scenic Petoskey State Park located on 303 gorgeous acres along the bay.
5. Dine at Petoskey Brewing
Michigan is known for its many micro-breweries and Petoskey is no exception. This local hotspot is located in a cool brick building with great food and local brews. 

6. Take a day trip to Mackinac Island 
Arguably the most well-known tourist destination in northwest Michigan, Mackinac Island is well-worth the ferry ride to visit this magical place!! Read all of our top recommendations in this blog post.
7. Tour the Fish Hatchery in Oden
The fish hatchery was established in 1921, and has almost a million fish under its roof. Locals will tell you that it's well worth a visit.
8. See the mushroom houses of Charlevoix
These unique structures are the brainchild of famous architect of Earl Young. Take a driving tour, or rent one for your next vacation.  
9. Visit Dam Site Inn
Don't let the name deceive you, because it's neither a dam or an inn. Instead, this restaurant and bar is a time-capsule, frozen in time, that you have to see to believe. If the fried chicken family style meal is not your forte, then definitely stop in for a drink at the bar - it's just too unique to pass up.

10. Spend the day in Harbor Springs
I had the best birthday afternoon in Harbor Springs! We dined at Stafford's Pier Restaurant, ate ice cream at Kilwins, watched the sailboats come in at the marina, and visited several of the many shops.
11. Plan a bike ride
Visit the North Michigan Trails Council site to plan out your route along Little Traverse Bay.
12. Plan a family day at the lake
Lake Michigan is breathtaking, but the waters are rough, like an ocean! There are plenty of other lakes in the area, though, like Crooked Lake or Pickerel Lake where you can plan a picnic or a day of boating.

Did we leave any of your favorite places off the list? We'd love to hear your suggestions for our next visit! 

 
 

Today's post is dedicated in loving memory of Joshua's cousin, Maggie Loyd. This swing was placed in Bay View in her honor by her family.  [I knew Maggie first as a reader of this blog - imagine her surprise when I married her cousin! I was really looking forward to meeting her for the first time this summer.]  

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fall 2017 Trends

/

Band jackets  /  Sleeves with volume  /  Pleated skirts
Patch denim  /  Red  /  Suede moto (same)
 Studded leather  /  Rose gold  /  White collared shirt  
 Feathers One, Two, Three, Four

The hubs is under the weather this week, so today I'm share some of my favorite trends for fall 2017. This is actually the same day - August 10th - that I posted about fall trends last year! It's really fun to look back and see how the list changes over the years, because for the most part it doesn't change much at all. I still love the things on last year's list, too. My trend curation comes from a mix of things I'm shopping (I may have acquired a few items pictured here already!), and observing commonalities among stores carrying the same types of items. No official type of methodology, just a gut instinct and some personal preference peppered in!

Which trend is your favorite? What fall trends did I leave off the list?

My Clothing Budget Update - Past 5 Months

/

1. Blue Bow top = $35
2. Straw Hat = $15
3. Lemon Dress = $20
4. Romper = $25
5. Coverup = $20
6. Straw Bag = $25
7. Bag Charm = $14
8. Pink Bow Sweater = $7
9. off shoulder top = $33
10. Gray Moto Jacket = $59
11. Periwinkle shell = $17
12. Fruit Bag Charms = $22 + $6
13. Leopard Sandals = $20
14. Pom Poms = $13
15. Earrings = $43
16. Earrings = $32
17. Wedges = $20
18. Black Earrings = $9 (not pictured)
19. Paris Jacket = $99 (Not Pictured)
20. Paris jacket = $69 (Not pictured)
Total = $603

When I reflect back on my style journey over the years, setting a clothing budget was a huge turning point for me. Prior to setting aside monthly funds for clothing, I felt guilty about spending even a single dollar on clothes, which often lead to aimless and sporadic spending. Setting a budget at first sounded like a total bore, but it's actually where I found freedom and started to discover style as an art - something far deeper than just items we wear on our bodies. My first clothing budget dates back to 2007, and while the dollar amount hasn't changed, other aspects have. My career* and the climate I live in are different. And while practicality is always important, I also aim to have FUN with my clothing budget! (This is my "fun money" as much as it is my traditional clothing budget - a necessity and a line item any financial planner would recommend. See "How to Set a Clothing Budget" for more details.) 

Today's post contains everything I purchased with my clothing budget since my last update on March 13th. Budget recaps and methodical reflection on what I've purchased are essential parts of the process - it's a way to evaluate what I I bought and improve future purchases. With my budget, I aim to make thoughtful and responsible purchases that I will want to wear for many years to come, and to passionately pursue creative expression through fashion, which can sometimes be a tricky balance. There's always plenty of room for improvement.

1. Pink earrings = $15
2. Blue ruffle top = $34
3. Pink Pencil skirt = $30
4. Pineapple top = $39
5. Hot Pink Top = $25
6. White ruffle top = $35
7. Embroidered skirt = $60
8. Yelow Ruffle top = $39
9. Gingham top = $20
10. Turquoise necklace = $30
11. Mustard top = $24
12. Pleated skirt = $48
13. Wrap top = $19
14. Denim shorts = $38
15. Maxi dress = $158
16. Lemon Top = $33
17. Yellow pants = $42
18. Floral Kimono = $17
19. Studded jacket = $99
20. Sunglasses = $25
21. Black jeans = $41
Total = $871

A quick glance at today's round up shows that these are some of my favorite things I've ever purchased. A studded leather jacket, a beautiful embroidered skirt, the prettiest chandelier earrings, a versatile maxi, and the list goes on. My strategy is very much to invest in "sizzle" pieces, and I happily repeat them often, even if they are more recognizable. I love color, detail, pattern, structure. 

In 5 months I averaged 8.2 items and $295 per month, which is slightly over my $250 monthly clothing budget, but I had 4 months of budget saved up and still have a positive balance of $811. (I treat my budget like an allowance and at the start of each month I deposit $250 into an "account" and then spend as I go, see chart below.)

*Please note: my current budget only includes things that I purchased myself, that fall into the "clothing" category of my budget, and do not include Stella & Dot items (I'm a 1099 employee and earn products and discounts), items that were returned, and any free items I get from working in the fashion industry (I return items from sponsored posts whenever possible - see Disclosure for more info. However, I sometimes wind up keeping an item for future use in blog posts).

What has your relationship with clothes been like over the years? Have you ever considered having a clothing budget?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Big Sable Lighthouse

/
 
 
 
 

There's something so romantic about the idea of a lighthouse, poised on the coast, guiding wayfaring sailors home. Not to mention, the nautical colors make a stunning backdrop for a photo shoot! Lucky for us, my BFF from 4th grade got married recently and at the wedding her aunt invited us to visit possibly the prettiest lighthouse of all time - Big Sable in Ludington, Michigan. Originally built in 1867, and one of the tallest light houses in the state at over 100 feet, anyone can visit and browse the gift shop, enjoy the beach or pay a small fee to climb to the top. It's a 2-mile hike from the parking lot, or buses run on Saturdays in the summer. We were given a ride from a park official, which meant I could comfortably don this gorgeous gingham dress with a huge full skirt, and espadrille wedges. With such a gorgeous jewel waiting at the end of the path, I can confidently say that a trip to Ludington to see Big Sable is worth it!

Dress: Stein Mart c/o, $50 (old gift card)
Shoes: Marc Fisher c/o Amazon, $89
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Mud Pie, $19 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $18 (fair trade, similar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Purse is 1 year ago. Hat, earrings, sunglasses and shoes are this summer. Dress is new.

Macy's  /  Asos  /  Nordstrom Rack  /  Shoptiques  /  Talbots
Na-kd  /  Amazon  /  6pm.com  /  Asos
Shoptiques  /  Asos  /  Forever 21  /  Asos  /  Zappos (also in plus)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Harbor Springs

/
 
 
 
 

Our next stop in Michigan was Harbor Springs, located on Little Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. It was the afternoon of my birthday and we had so much fun exploring the adorable shops and eating ice cream after a delectable lunch at Stafford's Pier Restaurant. It felt like there were colorful buildings and flowers at every turn (which is a sure way to put a smile on my face!), and the weather was perfect (we really enjoyed a break from the Florida heat). I purchased this top and shoes right before our trip, and I'm so glad I did. The ruffle sleeves on the top are huge and added so much volume. And the shoes were so comfy, even when walking for hours or at the airport. Overall, it was such a fun day!

Top: Stein Mart c/o, $50 (old gift card)
Shorts: Mud Pie c/o, $50
Shoes: Marc Fisher c/o Amazon, $89
Purse: Mud Pie c/o, $36
Hat: ModCloth c/o, $34 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Foster Grant, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Hat is 1 year ago. Shoes, shorts, purse are this summer. Top is new.

Mackinac Island Travel Guide

/
 
 

Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw) is a little 3.8 square mile slice of heaven located in Lake Huron, just north of the Michigan "mitten." Besides being an island situated in a gorgeous body of water, it derives much of it's charm from two main things: the fact that cars are not allowed, so horses and bicycles fill the streets, and the Grand Hotel is located there, which is just as stately and grand as it sounds. We took a day trip to Mackinac from Bay View, MI and explored all this wonderful island has to offer! Here's a quick guide:

  • Getting there. We took Shepler's Ferry from St. Ignace. This route allowed us to drive over the five-mile long Mackinac Bridge, which I highly recommend, no matter which direction you're coming from. Several of the early morning ferries also take a fun detour and drive under the bridge.
  • Where to eat. Head to the Hotel Iroquoise award-winning restaurant for their unbeatable water views, or The Gate House, an affordable and quaint dining option offered by The Grand Hotel.
  • How to get around. Renting bikes is a popular way to see Mackinac. There are more than 20 miles of trails across the island, and it's only an 8 mile trek around the entire outer rim. Or, you can saddle up a horse and ride around town. Or, take a horse-drawn carriage ride. We opted for Mackinac Island Carriage tours, which will take you to hot spots Arch Rock and The Grand Hotel.
  • What to do. My top pick is to tour The Grand Hotel. Before 6pm, there's an admission fee, and after 6pm there's a strict dress code - but only for some areas of the hotel, so go ahead and poke around. You could also tour the fort, visit the governor's house, or head to Main St. to shop and sample the fudge that Mackinac Island is known for!

My outfit details are below. When dressing for Mackinac Island, keep in mind that you'll likely do lots of walking or biking, and there are plenty of "road hazards" from horses that you'll want to avoid. Otherwise, the sky is the limit - dress as casual (bike or athletic gear) or as fancy (cocktail attire, for the Grand Hotel) as you'd like! 

Top: H&M, $35
Skirt: ModCloth c/o, $60 (old gift card)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $33
Purse: Mud Pie c/o, $36
Earrings: Amazon c/o, $18 (fair trade, similar)
Hat: ModCloth c/o, $34 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Belt is 4 years ago. Hat is 1 year ago. Purse, shoes, earrings, top are this summer. Skirt is new.