Today's Everyday Fashion: London Style

The last stop on our trip: five nights in London! Ahhh. It was quite the relief to arrive in a much cooler temperature, where I could wear all the jackets I never get a chance to wear in Florida, and this city was very clean and easy to get around. We did some sightseeing the first day, but I also did a little shopping! (more on that later) As for the fashion in London, I think this city takes the cake. Here's why:

- Everyone is super stylish here! You can think of it as a trendier New York City. Girls were not at all scared to experiment with fashion, makeup and hair. I saw a girl on the subway at the end of our trip with lavender hair that actually looked quite normal. I don't know if it was the city that had rubbed off on me at the point, but she looked great.
- It was chilly, but everyone, and I mean everyone, was in tights and shorts (usually denim cut-offs with black tights).
- Skull scarves were big here (I also saw them in Paris), and in the stores they sell tons and tons of pleated pants with tapered bottoms, over-sized bow blouses and colorful skinny denim.

About my outfit: this is not my favorite outfit of the trip (the one two days from now is!) but it was perfect for the weather and really comfy (these boots rock). It was chilly in London, but even more so at night. I added my zebra scarf when the sun went down, buttoned my jacket, and moved my belt up around the waist of my blazer (made the switch in the middle of the street, in case you were wondering). You can see my daytime look below, before I made the changes! I'm a big fan of transitional outfits on the go. :-)

Scarf (above & left): c/o Happy Scarf, $24
Blazer: Express, $25
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $16
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Jeans: Gap, $35
Boots: Bakers, $90 (similar)
Brooch: Banana Republic, $20
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Necklace (below): c/o Catherine Nicole, $44

Under the Marble Arch

Piccadilly Circus

Regent Street at night

Today's Everyday Fashion: Goodbye to Rome

This day on our trip was by far the most challenging - fashion wise and travel wise. We spent the day in Rome, with a flight that evening to London (more on that city later!). A huge temperature change, and in general kind of a pain to do sightseeing in the first half of the day, and then travel at night (I don't really recommend it). At this point, the only warm weather clothes I had left is this shirt and skirt, even though I wasn't loving the combo. I brought a scarf with me to make my skirt longer in churches (see silly picture below, I borrowed the top scarf from the church) and I was fairly comfortable during the day sightseeing in Rome. When we got to the airport I took a few minutes in the bathroom to freshen up and get out my boots and coat to prepare for cold weather. It was a very weird sensation to get to London, where it was very chilly, in the same outfit I had previously sweated in all day, then pile on a wool coat and boots... see previous comment on why traveling is better in the morning. :-) I made it work though, and even managed to feel somewhat stylish entering London and navigating the train at night to our hotel. A fashion challenge for sure, but I think I conquered it! Have you ever been in a similar travel/fashion situation?

Shirt: Gap, $5
Skirt: H&M, $30
Belt: Gap, $15
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshall's, $50
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Necklaces: Stella & Dot
Wool coat (below): LOFT, $50
Boots (below): Bakers, $90

Rome: call me

Covering up with scarves in a church

Last shot of Rome (sniff)

On the train in London, many hours later

Today's Everyday Fashion: Postcards from Rome

Check out the Vatican in the background

Yesterday I promised to give you an explanation of why I love Rome and here's why: it's absolutely gorgeous!! I felt like I had been transported to a whole new world when I was in Rome. The sites, the history and the architecture completely blew my mind. Where else can you walk down the street, and stumble upon columns randomly on the side of the road that have been there for thousands of years? It was... amazing. I also found Rome to be hot, frustrating, confusing, dirty, and chaotic. We experienced tons of train delays, gobs of goo (literally stuck my hand in them over and over again), rude people (no one spoke English, and even our hotel was rude to us) and confusing maps, but it was so worth every minute. We only spent 2.5 days there, but I wish I planned a whole week in Rome! If you ever get a chance to check out this city, please do! :-)

What I wore: I had planned a trench coat to go with my new polka dot dress from Zara, but it was at least 95 degrees, so I nixed the coat. Even still, I spent all day with sweat dripping down my back while we ran from one sightseeing spot to the next. Lesson learned: definitely bring a breezy sundress and sandals if you visit Rome in September! It's hot.

Dress: Zara, $30 (fairly recent)
Belt: Gap, $15
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Shoes: White Mountain c/o Ross, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Banana Republic and Stella & Dot
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79

The outfit I planned

My favorite thing ever: St. Peter's Basilica

A typical street in Italy

Hanging out in doorways

At the Pantheon: can you spot me?

Trevi: my favorite fountain

Today's Everyday Fashion: Buongiorno from Rome

Loving the train

I didn't plan this

Next stop on our vacation: Rome! We took a train from Milan to Rome, which proved to be not only incredibly convenient (train travel > air travel, in my book) but also kind of fun. When I packed for this trip, I had most of my outfits planned head-to-toe. But for this day, I wound up improvising. My train outfit was a result of me simply being in the mood to wear jeans and my most comfy shoes (I alternated the 3 pairs of shoes I brought as much as possible to keep any one pair from rubbing too much). After we arrived in (ridiculously hot!) Rome, I faced another conundrum as I really didn't pack enough warm-weather outfits. I had previously put together this outfit below, so I simply opted to remove the blazer and just wear a t-shirt. It was hot enough for shorts or a skirt, and I prefer it with a blazer, but sometimes you just have to go with what you have. :-) We grabbed dinner near the Colosseum and I did my usual people watching to see what people were wearing. Rome really seemed to be full of mostly tourists though, with a very casual summer style, much like you would see in Orlando (another hot, touristy town). More on Rome tomorrow, but this stop of the trip was 100% about the history for me! It was also my absolute favorite city so stay tuned!

Train outfit
Shirt: c/o MJR Sales, $10
Jeans: American Eagle, $35 (recent)
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: White Mountain c/o Ross, $25 (recent)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $69
Charm: My Stella & Dot website, $19
Sunglasses: LOFT, $2 (recent - they were $17 and I used a $15 birthday coupon)

The outfit I planned

Dinner outfit
Blazer: Express, $25 (recent)
Brooch: Banana Republic, $20
Pants: Gap, $20
Belt: H&M, $20
T-shirt: Zara, $15
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshall's, $50 (recent - style name "MK Plate Driver")
Bag: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Earrings: c/o Pop of Chic, $12

The outfit I wore

The view at dinner

Win a Pair of Express Jeans!

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

There is just something about the end of summer and approach of fall that makes me crave a brand new, crisp pair of jeans! Maybe it's the back-to-school kid in me, but I can't wait to try out some of the top denim trends for fall. My favorites include:

- Flares - this 70's style recently reappeared on the scene and is still going strong!

- Red - my favorite color for fall.

- Gray - a favorite from last year that is still going strong.

- Bright Colors - a new trend this fall that I can't wait to try.

- Cuffed - a chic way to wear skinny jeans, especially if they are a tad too long for you!

I'm a big believer that you don't have to spend a fortune on a great pair of jeans, and this fall Express has tons of great options for women's jeans. As an added bonus, for a limited time you can enter for a chance to win free Express jeans! They are doing a giveaway of 50 free pairs that you could rock on the sidewalk this fall. Be sure to check out the link to enter for your chance to win!

Tell me - what new denim trends are you looking forward to trying this fall and why?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Buongiorno from Milan

Dinner in Milan

Next stop on our vacation: Milan! We spent two nights and approximately 1.5 days in Italy's fashion capital. The minute we stepped off the plane, I couldn't believe how hot it was!! I totally did not pack for weather that warm (eek). I was also in shock at how tall, tan and thin everyone was. One subway ride full of Milan women and I felt short, fat and pale (oh well). I was absolutely exhausted from traveling, so we did something different for sightseeing on our first day - we went for a run! It is one of my favorite ways to see a new city and it felt great to get some exercise (the one and only time I exercised on the trip despite bringing plenty of workout clothes, whoops). That night we treated ourselves to an authentic Italian meal and I wore the outfit above. The next day, we went sightseeing throughout Milan, the Duomo being the biggest and best stop on our tour (totally obsessed, and I loved walking on the roof). I originally planned my outfit with a trench coat but it was hot, and I was even a little overheated in the dress. I loved wearing my new gold boat shoes though! They are a great alternative to sneakers on a trip like this and proved to be incredibly comfortable. I did not shop in this city, but I did plenty of observing again. Here's what I learned about fashion in Milan:

- People are dressed to the nines in this city. They definitely care more about fashion and are "flashier" than people in Paris.
- The best comparison I can come up with for the US is that they dress kind of like Miami, very sexy and I saw a lot of fishnet shirts, lace tights, sundresses and sandals.
- White pants are a staple in this city. Everyone was wearing them, and it was well past Labor Day (a US holiday, but you catch my drift).
- If you are planning to visit a church (like Duomo) in Italy, make sure you are within dress code. Your skirt/shorts needs to be knee length, no v-necks or small straps. I totally forgot about this rule and they almost didn't let me in because of how short my pink dress was. In another city I brought a scarf in my purse to make my skirt longer when I entered churches. 

Dinner outfit
Shirt: J.Crew, $45
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshall's, $50 (style name: MK Plate Driver)
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Earrings: c/o Pop of Chic, $12

The outfit I planned

Sightseeing outfit
Dress: c/o Varga Store, $44
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Belt: Gap, $15
Shoes: White Mountain c/o Ross, $25
Trench coat: New York & Company, $50
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79

The outfit I wore

In front of Duomo

On the roof of Duomo

Inside Duomo

A Review: TRESemme Dry Shampoo

This post brought to you by TRESemmé. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a confession: I am a baby powder junkie. Meaning, I use it on my roots on an almost daily basis. (Anyone else do this?) Or at least I was a junkie until the folks at TRESemme sent me some of their Dry Shampoo to try. I honestly didn't know what to expect, but friends, you will no longer see me shopping in the baby section for hair products because I am a total convert to their TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. Thinking about giving it a try? Follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Shake the can vigorously, lift sections of dry hair and spray in short bursts at your roots holding the can 8-12 inches from head. (You don't need to spray all over your head/anywhere else, just your visible roots.)

2. At first, it actually makes your hair look wet, or even more oily. Don't panic. Just let it sit for 1-2 minutes and let it do it's thing.

3. You will notice at this point that the product has turned slightly white, almost like a light dusting of powder. Use fingertips or a brush to distribute product and kind of rub it in.

Voila! Your roots look and feel clean, and as an added bonus it also makes your dark roots look less obvious if you are due for a touch up at the salon. :-) Want more info? Check out this YouTube about Top Hair Products for School and leave your tips for using dry shampoo in the comment section!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Palace of Versailles

The first 3 days in Paris were full of sightseeing: the Louvre (highly recommend!), the Eiffel Tour, Notre Dame, Montmatre, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, and people watching on the Champs-Élysées, just to name a few. Unfortunately the contents of our camera were erased from the first two days so I don't have any photos to share (booooo). Yesterday's post was actually day #3 in Paris, and on day #4, we ventured outside of the city to see Versailles. If you've ever seen Marie Antoinette the movie then you might be just a *tad* obsessed with Versailles like I am. My favorite part was THE hallway (picture below) but every detail of the palace was absolutely gorgeous. It's located about 20 minutes outside of Paris in an adorable suburb also called Versailles. We walked through a farmer's market there, and stopped to sample a local bakery where I had my first macaron (amazeballs)! My first cousin grew up in Kansas like I did, but moved to France more than 25 years ago. She joined us for the trip along with her son and we had an amazing time catching up on family stuff and enjoying the sites! Definitely one of my favorite days on the trip!

About my outfit: we didn't really get an close-up of this outfit, but you can see a very similar rendition and a close-up in this post. Despite being overcast, it was an unusually hot and humid day. I wound up not ever needing a jacket, and even my boots were a little too hot. These are my most comfortable shoes though so it was nice to give my tootsies a rest that day! :-) Have you ever been to Paris? What were your favorite sites?

Dress: Spence c/o Ross, $20
Belt: Gap, $15
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website
Boots: Bakers, $90
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Leather jacket (in my hand): Banana Republic, $150

I wanted to steal this gate and make jewelry out of it

Candid shot with my cousins

It's THE hallway!

Trying my first macaron

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bonjour from Paris

I'm baaack!! :-) It was an amazing two weeks traveling in Europe but I am SO happy to be back home and blogging! I'm excited to share all my travel outfits with you, but first have to say - didn't the guest bloggers rock? I hope you enjoyed them, and if you have any suggestions for next time please let me know.

So... about Paris! I spent the first 5 nights there and absolutely loved it! (what's not to like?) I didn't do much (okay, any) shopping but I was enthralled with people watching and took notes on how they dressed. Here's what I learned:

- They dress very similar to NYC. Somewhat somber, with all dark colors and hardly any bright colors.
- Overall, not everyone is dressed amazing like I thought they would be. I would say Paris is on par with NYC style-wise, but then there are these random, amazingly dressed people that would come around the corner and knock your socks off.
- Leggings worn as pants seem to be totally acceptable.
- Two big trends were skull scarves and "H" belts.

I was somewhat unsure about what to pack for this trip (I've never been across the pond), but this outfit was perfect for Paris! The dark colors fit in, it was the right temperature for this wool coat, and the Micheal Kors loafers were comfy enough for walking all day! Stay tuned tomorrow for the rest of my outfits from Paris.

Occasion: Sightseeing in Paris
Jacket: LOFT, $50
Brooch: Banana Republic, $20
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shirt: Express, $30
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshall's, $50
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $79
Earrings: c/o Pop of Chic, $12

Eiffel Tower love

In front of Montmatre

Overlooking Paris at Montmatre

In front of Notre Dame

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Kierra's blog, So Sophisticated 1992!

I recently went to the Rihanna L.O.U.D. tour when it was in my hometown and was totally inspired by all the bright lights, Rihanna's feisty fashion and her immaculately tamed red tresses. When I came across this picture of Rhi Rhi rocking red and leopard print, I knew that I had to recreate the fierce feline look. I added my own twist and recreated a look more appropriate for a casual day filled with navigating across campus to class.

Inspiration photo: Seduction of Fashion

Denim Jacket, $24.99

Dress: Eighty Six via Belk, $20.99

Shoes: Target, $14.99

Bag: Jessica Simpson, $98

Earrings: Charlotte Russe, $6

Bracelets: Rue21, $3

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Tanvi's blog, Tanvii.com!

This is one of my favorite dresses. It can perfectly be styled all year around. In this outfit I decided to experiment with bit of a polished-preppy look for fall. What is your favorite dress to wear year-round?

Inspiration photo: Madewell
Jacket: Esprit Outlet ($20) 2008
Dress: Mango ($60) 2009
Shoes: Local Boutique sale ($15) 2010
Socks: Tommy Hilfiger Outlet ($5) 2010
Hairband: Target ($1) 2010

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Lacie's blog, Leather and Lace!

Who was it that made up the rule that you can't wear white after Labor Day? Rude. Because a white maxi skirt is so unbelievably and perfectly versatile. And I feel like this skirt is just a good time, like fun is to be had whilst wearing it! I love that it's unexpected yet classic. This look is so boho-hippie-chic I dieeee! It's the perfect outfit for bumming around the Manhattan Beach Pier here in southern California (just don't eat chocolate covered almonds while wearing it like I did because I totally dropped one and it smeared a big embarrassing and suspicious dark brown streak right across the front of my skirt. gahhhahaha!) It's comfortable and so easy to wear...my girl Drew knows how to put an outfit together! Push the limits and break some fashion rules this fall....I promise you'll have fun doing it!

Inspiration photo: People.com
Skirt: Gap, $10
Denim chambray button-up: H&M, $27.50
Belt: Wet Seal, $6
Earrings: Etsy via PixiEGlamouR, $27
Sunglasses: Ann Taylor Loft, $29.50
Sandals (which you can't see): Nectar (local boutique), $20

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Brett's blog, Silvergirl!

I love to wear sequins in a casual way and am always looking for new ways to wear them. When I saw this cover, I just knew I had to copy the look. I added the red skinny belt and shoes to give the outfit some pop since I didn't have a brown skinny belt and my top was darker than Heidi's. I also added the silver bangles since my top was silver!

Inspiration photo: Cover of Glamour magazine

Sequin tank: Loft a while back on sale, $40
Jeans: GAP on sale, $42
Shoes: Marshall's, $19.99
Bracelets: set from F21 $8, and a set from Ruche $10
Belt: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack, $10
Cocktail ring: Kohl's on sale, $12

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Katie's blog, Latte Loves Style!

I found this fabulous military-style fitted blazer by H&M during one of my thrift store trips last spring. When I was coming up with ways to style it, I searched for some inspiration on the internets. This outfit by Ciara was the perfect fit! I love the layered simple necklaces, skinny black pants (I went with black jeggings) and the neutrals of white, grays, and black. The best part was that I had every piece in my closet already!

Inspiration photo: Stylebistro.com
Blazer: H&M via thrifted, $8
Tank: Old Navy, $5
Diamond pendant necklace: Gift
Bird necklace: Local boutique, $4
Jeggings: Thrifted, $3
Boots: Steve Madden via DSW, $45
Bag: Old Navy, $15

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Kearstin's blog, kear. is. here.

Being a twin, my sister and I share clothes, shoes and accessories so it is essentially like having two closets! I just have to drive a little bit to get to it! I borrowed this skirt and tried to find a simple yet chic way to wear it and I came across this picture of Lauren Conrad. I love how simple her outfit was so I just jazzed mine up with some accessories. The colors are classic and will transition into fall very nicely!

Inspiration: FabSugar

Occasion: Casual work

Shirt: J. Crew Outlet, $20

Skirt: J.Crew, borrowed from my Twin Sister!

Earrings: Lia Sophia $34

Belt: Charlotte Russe, $3.50 (set of 3)

Bangle: $59

Shoes: ShoeDazzle, $39.95

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Everyone give Katie a big warm welcome!

Jean jacket meets silk skirt: I loved the idea of dressing down a silk skirt with a denim jacket. This outfit was for work, so I added some Wedges instead of the flat sneakers. What do you think of the comeback of the jean jacket?

Inspiration photo: Redbook
Occasion: Work
Jean Jacket: Old Navy, $29.99
Tank: LOFT, $5
Skirt: Banana Republic, $13.99
Shoes: Target, $24.99
Bracelets: Forever 21, $6.00
Watch: Michael Kors, $175 (On Sale)
Ring: BCGB Outlet, $9
Necklace: Forever21, $1.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Tara's blog, Mix and Match Fashion!

I generally am not one to wear the same color from head to toe, but different tones of the same color make it so much more interesting!  Blue is definitely my favorite color, so I'll never pass up any opportunity to wear it! What color do you love enough to wear head to toe?

Inspiration Photo: StyleFrizz.com
Occasion: Work
Tee: Ann Taylor, $28
Cardigan: Banana Republic Factory Store, $13
Skirt: The Limited, $32
Shoes: Steve Madden, $45

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Michelle's blog at The PinQue Blog! 

Sometimes you find inspiration in the quirkiest of places, like your college football colors. Who says orange and purple don't go together? When I saw this orange and white dress with purple tights in a Lucky magazine article, I knew I had to recreate the look with my orange and white BR dress! Plus, since I am a huge Clemson Tiger fan (and grad!) this look was perfect for a football game. Go Tigers!

Who is your favorite college football team and would you wear their colors together?

Inspiration photo: Lucky Magazine Ad

Occasion: Clemson Football game
Dress: Banana Republic, on sale
Trench: Banana Republic Outlet, $70
Heels: Old Navy, $15

Sunglasses: Coach, gift from Mom

Tights: HUE, $10

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Megan's blog, The Frugalista Diaries!

This summer I'm living in my maxi dresses, however, occasionally I'll run out of ideas for dress pairings and will get a little creative. This time I opted to (temporarily) turn my favorite maxi dress into a skirt and pair it with a v-neck tee to achieve a look similar to fellow 'bohemian' Mary Kate. Are you following the maxi trend this season?

Inspiration photo: College Fashion
Occasion: Casual Friday
Shirt: Old Navy, $5
Dress worn as skirt: Target, $17
Shoes: Vince Camuto via Swirl, $60
Bag: Old Navy, $13
Jewelry: Vintage
Sunglasses: Old Navy, $5

Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post

This is a guest post while J is away on vacation. Check out Ty's blog, Words and Wardrobes!

I was dying over this $325 DVF shirt dress last fall (left) but because it's out of my budget, I re-created the look for only $20 ($5 for the skirt and $15 for the shirt). I accessorized with shoes ($30), a vintage bag ($2), earrings ($1), a chunky wooden bracelet ($10), and a ring ($4)!

Inspiration photo: DVF
Skirt: Goodwill
Top: Warchild Vintage via Etsy
Shoes: Urban Original
Handbag: Vintage
Ring: Forever 21
Bracelet: Mall accessories store
Earrings: Gold Beauty Supply
Aviators: Payless