Today's Everyday Fashion: My Favorite Things

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Skinny cargos, check. Leather jacket, check. Cognac shoes, check. Yep, this outfit contains just a few of my favorite things! ;-)

Occasion: Work or weekend
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Forever 21, $5
Cargos: Sanctuary Surplus/Nordstrom Rack, $40
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Endless.com/Restricted, $39

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ice Skating

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Last night I went ice skating at UCF with my 8-year-old niece. It was finally chilly enough in Orlando to wear boots, and this outfit proved to be perfectly comfy for the 2.5 hours we spent on the ice!

Occasion: Ice skating
Jacket: Gap, $25
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Belt: H&M
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Purse: Juicy Couture, $115

Which dress should I wear?

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I'm making my first TV appearance tomorrow night and I need your help deciding which look to wear! I'm being interviewed about my blog on Orlando LIVE at 9pm ET (on Sunday 11/28). You can watch the whole show at this link! Here are my choices:

1. Gold sequins and a blazer. I love this look, just not sure how comfy it would be. And I'm going to need to locate some double-sided tape. :-)
2. I recently picked up this dress at H&M for $25 and think it's perfect for this occasion, but let me know what you think?
3. Playing it safe in my favorite black dress and some fun accessories.

I'll be standing up the whole time. Which one should I wear?

Fabulous Finds: Black Friday Haul

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I wound up braving the mall this afternoon just long enough to pop into New York & Company. Their 50% off everything promo was just too good not to pass up! Here's what I got:

1. Black sequin shirt, $22
I wound up returning the Forever 21 shirt from this post, which is good because this shirt is more flattering AND cheaper. Love!
2. Gold skirt, $25
I know, I know. You guys are probably sick of seeing gold sequins. BUT the skirt is so beautiful in person and the price was too good to pass up!
3. Peach cardigan, $24
So cute in person! Looks like it came from J.Crew.
4. Gold belt, $10
This belt looks awesome with the peach cardigan. Great price too!

What did you guys find today?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shopping Mania

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It's Black Friday!! Can't wait to hear about the deals you guys get! (feel free to post pics on my Faceobok page) I will be enjoying Black Friday madness from the comfort of my couch, but if I was out shopping today in a cooler climate, this is what I would wear!

Occasion: Shopping
Sweater: Gap, $20 (old)
Shirt: Forever 21, $12
Jeans: Gap, $44
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Boots: Forever 21, $30

Today's Everyday Fashion: Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We are headed to the fam's house for a massive amount of food and fun. I choose this outfit because it's comfortable/I can cook in it, the fall colors feel festive to me and because the shirt will hide my "food baby." :-) Hope you all have a wonderful day with your family and friends!

Occasion: Thanksgiving dinner at our family's house
Shirt: c/o The Unique Closet, $28
Jeans: Gap, $44
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Shoes: H&M
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Library

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I call today's look "the library" because it's really the perfect occasion for this look, don't you think? In real life, I'm doing blog stuff today and cooking lots of yummy treats for Thanksgiving tomorrow! What are you guys up to for the holidays?

Photo left: My inspiration from J.Crew.com!
Jacket: Gap, $25
Striped shirt: Limited
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Frye (old)
Belt: H&M
Bag: B.Makowsky/Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashon: Lots of Layers

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The beauty - or the downfall - of this outfit, depending on how you look at it, is that it contains many layers. A plaid button-up, a v-neck sweater with another cardigan sweater layered on top. Perfect for a chilly occasion, I might even wear this camping? (okay, I probably wouldn't be caught dead camping...) Where would you wear it?

Photo left: my inspiration from InStyle magazine!
Cardigan: Banana Republic, c/o BR Florida Mall
V-neck: American Eagle, $30
Plaid shirt: Forever 21, $20
Cargos: TJ Maxx, $17
Boots: Aldo, $75

Also:
- Today is the last day to enter the 31 Gifts Giveaway!
- Check out my new About section, where I explain why I'm not a fashion blogger.

Fabulous Find

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Say hello to my new Juicy Couture purse! I purchased it for $115 a couple weeks ago at Neiman Marcus Last Call when they were doing an in-store promotion. It's $136 online right now, which is still a great deal. The strap can be adjusted to wear it cross-body or as a short shoulder-strap. This is a big purchase for me since I only buy one handbag a year, but it's way better in person and I couldn't resist the great deal! :-)  

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Brooch Necklace

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On the right is a close-up of today's necklace. It's actually a brooch that I looped a chain through! Handy, huh? It's one of my favorite tricks. I also sported a brooch as a necklace here and here.

Also - this is my first time wearing ankle socks and bare legs, but I have to say I quite like it! I can't wait to hear your reactions, so let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Occasion: Work
Sweater: Gap, $20
Brooch (worn as necklace): $15
Belt: Limited, $15
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Shoes: Frye (really old)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sequins for Day

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Okay, the secret is out: I love sequins. But I really don't think they should be reserved for special occasions. Take today's tank top (a recent find at TJ Maxx!)  - I paired it with some jeans and my army jacket for a casual look. No reason to not use your good china from time to time. :-)

Occasion: Church, errands (I also wore this to the FL Mall lunch last week - yes I repeat outfits and even sometimes in the same week, do you?)
Shirt: TJ Maxx/Chan Luu, $20
Jacket (left): Gap, $25
Jeans: True Religion, $145
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $40
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Bonus Everyday Fashion: The Lace Blazer

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Ultimately I decided to return this lace blazer from Charlotte Russe, but I thought I'd share this outfit I put together with it! What do you think - how would you wear this blazer?

Occasion: Nighttime work event or dinner
Lace blazer: Charlotte Russe, $40
Jeans: Gap, $35
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Tank top: Forever 21, $3

31 Gifts Giveaway! [now closed]

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Thirty-One Gifts is a faith-based company that specializes in personalized products and gifts - and now you can win a $25 gift certificate just in time for the holidays! The name 31 comes from the Old Testament - Proverbs 31 speaks of a virtuous woman who worked inside and outside of the home. Because of her qualities she was worthy of honor, reward and praise. Sound like someone you know? Get them a gift from 31 Gifts this year to show them how much you appreciate them!

To enter:
1. Leave a comment below and let us know what you'd like to buy with your $25 gift certificate.
2. Become a fan of Ashley Haley's 31 Gifts Facebook page here.

Be sure to check back to see if you've won! (or leave your email address so we can contact you) The winner will be picked at random, and please leave your initials or name because Anonymous entries will not be counted. Contest closes Tuesday (11/23) at midnight. Thanks for entering! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Suit Jacket

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I love finding uses for my suit jackets - here, I layered it over some polka dots and fun necklace for a casual Friday work look! What are your favorite ways to wear a suit jacket?

Occasion: Casual Friday
Blazer: Banana Republic, $70
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Necklace: Stella & Dot, c/o Denee Brochart
Jeans: Gap, $44
Boots: Forever 21, $33

Get More Mileage Out of Your Holiday Dress

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Have you recently invested in a sparkly dress for the holidays? Don't let it sit in your closet! Here are six different ways to wear a sparkly holiday dress.

(This is my fourth guest blog post with Shecky's.com. You can see the post on their website here.)



1. Layer a black blazer and suede booties for a glam night out. Add a scarf and some skinny jeans (or leggings) for especially cold weather!

Dress: Wet Seal, $30
Blazer: Express
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Booties: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Scarf: Banana Republic, $20
Jeans: Gap, $35

Just like J:
1. Gap Blazer Cardi, $69.50
2. Flirt Catalog Sequin Mini Dress with Chain Straps, $59.50
3. INC International Concepts Dress Sleeveless V-Neck Sequin Tank Dress, $99 at Macy’s
4. Modcloth Gold Dust Gal Dress, $90








































2. Tuck your dress into an A-line or tulip skirt and wear it as a shirt to the office, or to a holiday work party.

Dress (worn as shirt): Wet Seal, $30
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $30
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39

 Just like J:
1. Forever 21 Wool Blend Tulip Skirt, $17.80
2. Express Sequin-Front Tank, $39.99
3. Charlotte Russe Sequin Mesh Tank, $22.50
4. New York & Co Red Label Matte Sequin Tank Top, $42.95









































3. Go casual by layering a sweater and army jacket over the dress. Add some lace-up booties to complete the look.

Dress (worn a skirt): Wet Seal, $30
Army jacket: Gap, $25
Sweater: American Eagle, $30
Booties: Forever 21, $33

Just like J:
1. Victoria’s Secret Belted Cargo Jacket, $69.50
2. New York & Co Red Label Matte Sequin Skirt, $49.95
3. Charlotte Russe Matte Sequin Mini $32.50









































4. Wear your dress as a skirt by layering on a collared shirt. Pair with some sexy pumps for a date or night out with the girls!

Dress (worn as skirt): Wet Seal, $30
Shirt: Abercrombie, $20
Pumps: Boutique 9, $70

Just like J:
1. Ann Taylor LOFT Striped Button Down Shirt with Pleats, $44.50
2. Charlotte Russe Matte Sequin Mini, $32.50









































5. Go preppy with a navy blazer and a rough brown belt. Another date-night look that will have you looking both sexy and sophisticated.

Dress: Wet Seal, $30
Navy blazer: Gap, $70
Belt: American Eagle, $5
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39

Just like J:
1. Gap Lightweight Wool Blazer, $98
2. Forever 21 Sequined Strapless Dress, $27.80
3. Wet Seal Ruched Sequin Dress, $25








































6. Finally, make sure to let your dress shine on the most sparkly night of the year - New Year's Eve! Pair with some metallic shoes and you'll be ready to ring in the new year.

Dress: Wet Seal, $30
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Shoes: Wild Pair

Just like J:
1. Wet Seal 2 Tone Sequin Dress, $28
2. Forever 21 Sequin Sweetheart Dress, $28

Which one is your favorite?

5 Things to Know about Black Friday at the Florida Mall

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Photo: OrlandoInfo.com


















Today I was invited to a blogging/technology lunch with some other bloggers and the marketing folks at the Florida Mall. We talked about the upcoming holiday events at the mall and enjoyed some tasty lunch from Buca de Beppo!

Here are 5 things you need to know about Black Friday at the Florida Mall:

1. Approximately 50 stores will be opening at midnight on Black Friday. Night owls rejoice!
2. They are expecting 100,000 guests. Pack a snack and be ready to shop, shop, shop.
3.  Lanvin hits H&M on November 20th. Check out this FabSugar feature to see pictures from the line.
4. There are a bunch of new stores at the mall to check out including Charming Charlie (affordable accessories), A'Gaci (a Forever 21 type), and Cotton On (an Australian brand that reminds me of American Eagle).
5. Finally, check out these apps to help with your Black Friday shopping:

5,000 fans!

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I hit 5,000 fans on Facebook today and just want to get sappy for a moment... I started my page just over 6 months ago and I never, EVER thought I would have 5,000 fans. Those fans + everyone that reads my posts here = truly mean the world to me! Three things I want you to know:

1. I am so, so thankful for each and every one of you!!
2. I really believe in what I'm doing here (proving media wrong, that fashion is only for people with tons of $). Let's make getting dressed a more positive experience for everyone!
3. Please tell your friends. It's how I got 5,000 fans and here's to 5,000 more! :-)

xoxo,
J.