What to Wear for Every Holiday Occasion

This is my 5th guest post with Shecky's.com. You can see the post on their website here.






































1. Shopping
What's one activity you're likely to do a lot during the holidays? Shopping! You definitely want to be comfortable, but that's no reason to leave style at home. Thrown on a unique graphic tee or layer on a colorful sweater and get ready to shop till you drop.

LEFT
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Tank top: Forever 21, $3
Belt: Gap, $3
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Purse: NM Last Call/Juicy Couture, $115

RIGHT
Sweater: Gap, $20
Shirt: Forever 21, $12
Jeans: Gap, $44
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Boots: Forever 21, $30

Just like J:
1. American Eagle Skinny Jean, $49.50
2. Forever 21 Eastside Tigers LS Tee, $14.80
3. Forever 21 Cross Stitch Sweater Cardigan, $29.80







































2. Traveling
Traveling is another situation where comfort is key. Pick some pants that are comfortable to sit in, boots that are easy to walk in and always dress in layers to adjust to changing climates. An army jacket is comfy but stylish and a poncho sweater is by far the easiest type of layer to slip off!

LEFT
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

RIGHT
Poncho sweater: Gap
Pants: TJ Maxx, $17
Boots: Aldo, $75

Just like J:
1. Aldo Larner boots, $80
2. Juicy Couture Tassel Shoulder Bag in Chocolate, $230 on Last Call by Neiman Marcus
3. Victoria’s Secret Belted Cargo Jacket, $80










































3. Holiday Parties
Dress up a silky skirt with a jeweled belt for an office party, or try a dress with lace insets for a night out with the girls. Layer some thick tights and black booties for added warmth!

LEFT
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $25
Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $15
Earrings: Boston boutique
Shoes: Bakers

RIGHT
Dress: The Unique Closet, $46.50
Belt: Express
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Shoes: Carlos Santana/DSW, $33

Just like J:
1. The Limited Crystal Weave Belt, $49.90
2. The Limited Tiered Party Skirt, $59.90
3. Forever 21 Beautiful Satin Skirt, $19.80
4. Unique Closet Lace Dress, $46.50







































4. Holiday at home
Spending a holiday with your family involves lots of cooking, cleaning and running around - however, that doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. Dress up a comfy sweater with a statement necklace, or belt a sweater vest for a chic but casual look.

LEFT
Sweater: American Eagle, $25
Tank: Old Navy, $3
Jeans: Gap, $44
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22
Necklace: Stella & Dot

RIGHT
Sweater vest: Forever 21, $22 
Shirt: Ralph Lauren Outlet, $20
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's, $5
Jeans: Gap, $30
Watch: Fossil
Boots: Aldo, $75

Just like J:
1. Aldo Larner boots, $80
2. Forever 21 Long Sweater Vest, $22.80
3. Stella & Dot Metropolitan Mixed Chain Necklace, $198







































5. Church service
Chances are your holiday plans include some type of church service. Look stylish and appropriate in a cardigan, dressy pants and some fun extras (like a sparkly necklace, buckled shoes or a metallic belt!).

LEFT
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Earrings: Banana Republic, $25
Sweater: Express
Belt: Express
Black skinny jeans: Gap, $30
Shoes: Filene's Basement, Calvin Klein $40

RIGHT
Cardigan: LOFT, $20
Necklace: J.Crew, $40
Shirt: Express
Belt: The Limited, $20
Pants: Banana Republic, $50
Shoes: Boutique 9, $70

Just like J:
1. Ann Taylor LOFT Grosgrain Cardigan, $54.50
2. Ann Taylor LOFT Julie Sparkle Tweed Pant, $11.86

Today's Everyday Fashion: Green and Cobalt Blue































Last week I paired "marigold and neutrals," inspired by an article from Refinery29.com on unique color combinations. This week - it's green and cobalt blue! I personally love this combo, but what do you think? Would you wear this color combo?

I also can't go without mentioning that I'm wearing tights in this picture. I've had a real hate-hate relationship with tights for the past few years, but because I love you guys so much, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and give them another try. *sigh* And you know what - I hate to admit it, but they were actually comfortable and they look cute!! Who knew?

Occasion: Work
Photo left: Refinery29.com
Jacket: Alice Temeperley for Target, $40
Shirt: H&M, $20
Skirt: Express
Tights: Hue/TJ Maxx, $6 for 2 pairs
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85

Today's Everyday Fashion: Trendy at Work






































I love outfits like this for work. The skinny pants and accessories are trendy, but the blazer keeps it professional and shows that you mean business! How do you dress at work - would this look be too dressy, not professional enough, or just right?

Photo left: My inspiration from LOFT.com
Occasion: Work
Jacket: Banana Republic, $75
Tank top: Forever 21, $5
Jeggings: Gap, $35
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Stella & Dot, c/o Stylist Lori McMinn
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Brocade Skirt






































I love my brocade skirt so much, I decided to find a way to wear it in cold weather! I paired it with a a cozy turtleneck and some warm boots - mixing feminine and masculine styles in the process.  What warm weather item do you like to mix in with your winter clothes?

Occasion: Work
Turtleneck: Gap
Skirt: Limited, $40
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Necklace: Banana Republic, $18
Boots: Aldo, $75

My Christmas Wish List

































I absolutely love reading what other people want for Christmas, so I thought I'd put together my wish list and share it with you guys!

1. Miss Dior Cherie perfume. I've worn Chanel Mademoiselle since high school, but would love another option for daytime.
2. Michael Kors watch. (style #MK5055, $175 from eWatches.com)
3. Bracelets to wear with my watch. ($35 and $30 from Banana Republic)
4. Banana and Gap gift cards to use on my favorite shopping day of the year - the day after Christmas!!
5. iPod shuffle. My iPod is on its last leg and this one is perfect for the gym. ($49 from Apple)
6. One of my favorite moves of all time - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. ($12 from Amazon.com)

What's on your wish list?

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leopard Belt






































This, ladies, is why I love belts so much. Amazing how such a small print can make such a big impact! And the belt actually cinches in the blazer and creates a new shape. Have you ever worn a belted blazer?

Photo left: My inspiration from Zara's website.
Occasion: Work
Blazer: Gap, $70
T-shirt: Forever 21, $12
Skirt: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Brooch: Banana Republic, $15
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39

Today's Everyday Fashion: Oldie but a Goodie






































I overslept this morning and in a rush to get out the door I threw on one of my favorite outfits - an oldie but a goodie. I used to wear this outfit a lot when I lived in Boston. This sweater is deceivingly warm - it might not have sleeves but it's super-thick and is like its own little furnace! (turned out to be a little to hot for today's weather even)

What outfit do you turn to in a pinch?

Occasion: Church and Christmas shopping
Sweater: Gap, $40
Belt: Gap, $40
Jeans: True Religion, $145
Bootes: Frye
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Rocker Tee






































I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite shopping/errands outfits. I love the unique shape of this rocker tee I picked up at Forever 21 a couple months ago. The epitome of stylish and comfy at the same time!

Occasion: Shopping/errands
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Tank top: Forever 21, $3
Belt: Gap, $3
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Purse: NM Last Call/Juicy Couture, $115

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tweed Trousers






































Don't you love it when you hold onto something and it winds up coming in handy? I bought these tweed trousers more than 5 years ago, and I immediately got them out of "storage" (our guest room) when I saw this picture of Charlize Theron on FabSugar.com. Her pants are a bit more modern with a skinny leg and some pleating, but I decided to re-create the look with a navy silk shirt and black boyfriend blazer. Work appropriate and comfy, I love!

Occasion: Work
Black blazer: Express
Blue silk shirt: Banana Republic, $50
Pants: American Eagle
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Watch: Fossil
Boots: Forever 21, $33

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Unique Closet






































Today's Everyday Fashion is brought to you by The Unique Closet. I recently teamed up with them to style 4 holiday looks from their online store. Check out their site, and get free shipping on all orders until 12/25!

The Unique Closet Dress, $46.50 (above)
I'm wearing a size S. Rumor has it that Anthropologie was selling this same dress for $150! I have many plans for this dress, including wearing it as a shirt!






































The Unique Closet Dress, $45
I'm wearing a size S. This dress is really comfy!






































The Unique Closet Dress, $60
I'm wearing a size S. This dress is so festive and flattering!







































The Unique Closet Dress, $34
I'm wearing a size S, but  couldn't quite zip it up all the way so I would definitely need to size up. The dress also has pockets, which I love. :-)

Which one is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Marigold and Neutrals

































Refinery29.com recently posted an article on "unique color combinations" and I'm making it my mission to try all of them! This is the first one - marigolds and neutrals - and I think it came out great. I never would have thought of this particular outfit without the inspiration photos!

Occasion: Work
Photo left: Refinery29.com
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Gap, $3
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Favorite Things






































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






































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?


































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


















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?