Today's Everyday Fashion: The Mixed Suit

It's no secret that I love mixing neutrals, and today's look is the perfect example of that. I took dark brown wool pants and a charcoal gray blazer and created a mixed suit! A stylish spin on a suit for work; this outfit will keep you feeling warm and looking professional.

Occasion: Work
Photo left: Shopbop.com
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
Turtleneck: H&M
Pants: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Pumps: Boutique 9, $75

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sunny Sunday

It was sunny and 75 in Orlando yesterday, so I decided to break out my new dress for church! I stuck with similar colors for the rest of the palette and piled on the faux-diamond jewelry. The dress made me feel very feminine, comfortable and it hid my post New Years Eve belly (from all the junk food and champagne). Hope everyone is having a great first-day-back at work!

Occasion: Church
Dress: Banana Republic, $55
Cardigan: LOFT, $20
Necklace: LOFT, $15
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50
Bracelet: Banana Republic, $12
Bracelet: Banana Republic, $12
Bracelet: Banana Republic, $18

Today's Everyday Fashion: Last Day of 2010

This is what I wore on the last day of 2010. We had "fun day" - we rode go-karts, played mini-golf and ate ice cream at Sonic. It was such a great way to spend the last day of the year, we're thinking of making it a tradition! My outfit was super-comfy with a touch of sparkle (just like I like it). I should've checked the weather before we left though - it was so hot during mini-golf that I wound up taking off my boots and golfing in socks! :-)

Occasion: Mini-golf and go-karts
Sweater: c/o Florida Mall Banana Republic
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20 (recent purchase at the day-after-Christmas sale)
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Bakers, $90
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115

Fabulous Finds

I'm loving the faux diamond look right now, so it's no surprise that these are two recent purchases of mine!

1. JcPenney Necklace, $20 - I've seen similar necklaces at Express and TJ Maxx, but the price for this necklace at JcPenney was way better, and I had a gift card (score!).

2. Banana Republic Bracelet, $18 - I'm loving this bracelet stacked with other bracelets I picked up during the day-after-Christmas sales!

Note: both were purchased in the store, so the prices are slightly different than what you see online.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Hope you had a happy and safe New Year's Eve. I had an amazing time last night, between attending the James Bond party at the Enzian Theater, playing co-host for OrlandoLIVE (I got to interview people about what they were wearing on the red carpet! so fun!) and dancing the night away. I have a feeling 2011 is going to be a great year!

Occasion: New Years Eve party
Dress: Wet Seal, $30
Blazer: Express
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30
Earrings: Boston boutique

Today's Everyday Fashion: Black Swan

Yesterday I hit the mall with my friend Christina to see Black Swan. Besides being obsessed with anything ballet, it was fun watching Natalie Portman give the performance of her life in a story that still has my head spinning. I felt like I had stepped out of a J.Crew catalog in my outfit.  Luxe jewels + cotton camp shirt + leopard belt = J.Crew magic! :-)

Occasion: Black Swan and errands
Shirt: J.Crew, $14
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Jeans: Gap, $44
Diamond necklace: LOFT, $15
Rosegold necklace: c/o Stella & Dot Stylist Lori McMinn
Boots: Aldo, $75

Ps. Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's Eve! I'll be posting pictures tomorrow, but you can click here for a sneak peek at what I'll be wearing (top left photo). Besides drinking lots of champagne, I've also been invited to ring in the new year by co-hosting a special episode of OrlandoLIVE. Really excited to give my hosting skills a try - you can watch the whole thing here from 9-10pm ET! See ya in 2011!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rock'n Red

I love what Blake Lively has going on here - she paired a frilly red dress with a motorcycle jacket. The best of mixing feminine/masculine styles! I re-created this look with my own clothes and was hoping to have somewhere to wear this over winter break but it's not looking like it will happen. A girl can dream right? :-)

Photo left: My inspiration from FabSugar
Occasion: Date night
Faux leather jacket: Forever 21, $40
Dress: Forever 21, $30
Tights: Hue/TJ Maxx, $6
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cozy, Cozy

I must've had a 48-hour bug because I started feel much better yesterday afternoon. I headed out for some post-Christmas errands and I decided to wear my new cozy boots and my new cozy sweater. Super-comfy and cozy, cozy.

Occasion: Errands
Sweater: J.Crew, $28
T-shirt: American Eagle
Brooch (worn as necklace): Banana Republic, $15
Jeans: Gap, $44
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus, $115
Boots: Bakers, $90

And here's what our little guy Tucker has been wearing lately. It keeps him warm and spreads Christmas cheer throughout the neighborhood. :-)

Fabulous Finds

Okay, so we're not really snowed in... BUT I am stuck on the couch with a nasty sore throat. I would much rather be playing with my new toys (clothes) in my closet, but instead I'm shopping online and doing other low-key activities. Here's what I just ordered from Forever 21:

1. A graphic tee for days when I'm channeling my inner Kate Moss. Madonna Top, $15.80
2. A gorgeous jewel-tone skirt I'm hoping is long enough for work. Ruched Skirt, $15.80
3. A plaid shirt that is the perfect thing to copy tons of J.Crew looks. Picnic Shirt, $15.80
4. A second gorgeous skirt in a unique color. Wool skirt, $19.80

Day-After-Christmas Shopping

The day after Christmas is definitely, without a doubt, the best day for shopping. I was at the mall shortly after it opened at 8am. I had a budget of $300 and was on a mission to find:
- flat, knee-high cognac boots
- a blazer
- a fuzzy sweater
- bracelets to wear with my new Michael Kors watch

Seven hours later, I spent $320 and wound up with everything I wanted on my list and then some! My best (and longest) shopping trip to date, you aren't going to believe some of these prices....

Our first stop was Banana Republic. They usually offer 50% off sale items before noon, so we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time to browse. I bought:

1. Silk rosette trim dress in taupe, $55 (orig. $175)
2. Silk belted shell in cocoon, $35 (orig. $80) I paid only $15 by using a $20 Gap card reward.
3. New Years bracelet, $12 (orig. $30)

4. Inner circle bangle, $14 (orig. $35)

5. Not pictured - silver and gold bracelet, $16 (orig. $45)

6. Not pictured - gold and silver necklace, $20 (orig. $50)

We also found some great deals at J.Crew - they were offering an additional 30% off sale items. I bought:

1. Chalet popover in dark cypress, $28 (orig. $68)

2. Shimmer pocket tank in mossy oak, $7 (orig. $30)

3. Fine cotton shirt in mossy oak, $14 (orig. $65)

The other great deals I found were at Gap (they had 50% off sale items before noon), the LOFT (50% off everything all day long) and Bakers (buy one, get one 50% off the whole store).  Here are the remaining items I bought with my budget:

1. Gap always skinny cords in tomato, $17 (orig. $60) I've been wanting these for months.

2. Bakers leather boots, $90 (orig. $110) These are SO soft and fold over at the top.

3. LOFT wool blazer, $50 (orig. $128) Ummm... love.

4. Not pictured - LOFT diamond necklace, $15 (orig. $40)

Now it's your turn. Tell me what you found yesterday in the comment section or post pictures to my Facebook page!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shopping Insanity

Make no mistake: I'm generally a calm shopper that takes my time. But today is the BEST shopping day of the year, so I plan on tearing through every store in the mall. If you see a girl flipping through the sale rack in a navy and cream tunic, it's probably me! :-) I'll be sharing my finds via Twitter as I go, and I'll post pictures when I get home. The hunt begins!

Occasion: Day-after-Christmas shopping
Tunic: Forever 21, $18
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Aldo, $75
Purse: Neiman Marcus Last Call/Juicy Couture, $115
Watch: Fossil

Today's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! I really wanted to wear red this Christmas! I don't have tons of it in my closet, so I started with this red polka dotted blouse and layered a v-neck sweater over it, then added red shoes and belt for extra Christmas cheer. Now comes the fun part: exchanging gifts, a feast fit for a "king" (get it?) and helping my nieces put together toys! Hope you have a great day with friends and family.

Occasion: Christmas Day at our family's house
Sweater: H&M
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Belt: Forever 21, $4
Jeans: Gap, $44
Shoes: Shoe Carnival, $10
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Today's Everyday Fashion: Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Tonight we are headed to our family's house for dinner and then a late Christmas Eve service at our church. It's quite warm in Orlando today, so I'm skipping the tights and boots in favor for some black pumps. Trimmed in sequins, velvet and glitter - doesn't get much more holiday than this! :-)

Occasion: Christmas Eve dinner and church
Blue velvet blazer: H&M
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: New York & Company, $10
Skirt: New York & Company, $25
Earrings: Express
Boots: TJ Maxx/Cynthia Rowley, $85

Today's Everyday Fashion: Christmas Cookies

Today I'm headed to the fam's house to make Christmas cookies! It's been a tradition in my family to make cut-out sugar cookies and decorate them since I was a child, so it's been fun introducing this tradition to my neices here in Orlando. Can't wait to get covered in frosting with the kiddos. :-)

Occasion: Christmas cookie making
Sweater coat: Express (I knotted the self-tie in the back to keep the sweater open like this)
Shirt: Nordstrom Rack, $15 (recent purchase)
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot Stylist Lori McMinn
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Aldo, $75

Video: My 5-Minute Makeup Routine

Click the YouTube icon to increase the video's size.

Things to note: 1. I am in no way a makeup professional, or even that great at it. 2. I look horrible without makeup on. That said, I love learning about how people do their makeup, so I thought I would suck it up and share my routine with you guys. :-) If you have a favorite makeup tip, or if you've done a post on your makeup routine please leave a link in the comment section! Would love to know how you ladies get the job done!

Here are all the products I use/mention in the video:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub, $5.49
Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture with SPF 15, $12.89
L'Oreal Refreshing Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, $6.49
CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer, $7.39
CoverGIrl Clean Liquid Makeup in Soft Honey #155, $6.99
CoverGirl Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara in Very Black, $4.99
CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Soft Sable #120, $3.99
CoverGirl Perfect Blend Eye Pencil in Black/Brown, $5.29
Maybelline The Colossal Waterproof Mascara, $7.99
L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Golden Splendor #805, $8.95

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lucky magazine

I love this inspiration photo from Lucky magazine. But I'm not sure I would have the guts to wear a plaid blanket and leather shorts with tights, all at the same time, and it's definitely not appropriate for work. My version is a little toned down, but still has all the fun of pairing a red sweater, olive shirt and turquoise necklace - a new combination that I'm loving!!

Photo left: Luckymag.com
Occasion: Work, holiday errands
Sweater: Gap
Olive shirt: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Aldo, $15
Jeans: Gap, $30
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85

Also: just a heads up that I'm taking a bit of a break over the next couple weeks. I'll still be posting tons of outfits! They will just be more random, and not at the same time everyday like usual. :-) I need a bit of a creative break + want to enjoy the holiday with friends and family! Happy Holidays everyone!!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Mustard Cardigan

It's a drizzly Sunday afternoon, so I decided to add a little sunshine to my day with a mustard-yellow cardigan. I'm comfy, I'm casual, but I'm still sporting tons of style for my niece's Christmas concert and church tonight!

Occasion: Christmas concert and church
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Express, $35
Belt: Limited, $15
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Necklace: c/o Designs by Mandi, My Tiny Elephant Necklace $14
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Nutcracker Ballet

There is literally nothing that makes me happier than dressing up in pink ruffles and going to the ballet. Last night, I got to do both! The cold streak in Florida broke just in time for me to wear my pink cupcake dress I scored from H&M for $10 a couple months ago. For a cover-up I decided to go 100% girlie and wear a pink blazer. I piled on gold accessories, drew on a major cat-eye, and spritzed some Chanel Mademoiselle perfume. It's so much fun being a girl!

Dress: H&M, $10
Blazer: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: New York & Co, $10
Shoes: Marshalls/Guess, $30
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Bracelet: c/o Designs by Mandi, $17
Purse: TJ Maxx/Juicy Couture, $70 (close-up below, a recent purchase with my gift card)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Designs by Mandi

On Wednesday I had to brave the cold and attend a couple casual meetings, and this is what I wore! I layered on a black cardigan (photo right) then a black blazer and scarf over that. It did the trick and kept me plenty warm!

Blazer (left): Express
Scarf (left): Banana Republic, $20
Cardigan (right): Express
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $13
Jeans: Gap, $35
Boots: TJ Maxx/Cynthia Rowley, $75
Purse: Juicy Couture/Macy's
Watch: Fossil, $100
Necklace: c/o Designs by Mandi, $14

I also can't go without mentioning my new jewelry from Designs by Mandi. I am completely obsessed with today's necklace, and the bracelet from Wednesday's post! The quality in person is fantastic. This necklace looks like it came from Banana Republic - and only $14! Definitely check out her website.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Saddle Up

I would love to spend a weekend "riding" in the English countryside. And I don't even like horses - I just want to wear equestrian clothes! ;-) Could be why I love this herringbone blazer so much. Paired with these boots, I'm almost ready to saddle up! (To see another way I wore this blazer, click here.)

Blazer: Urban Behavior, approx. $30
Shirt: Express, $30
Jeans: Gap, $44
Boots: Aldo, $75
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Also - be sure to check out "Shop J's Closet" tonight at 8pm ET! Six pairs of shoes, a leather handbag and tons of tops, most for $10 or less. Items will be posted to my Facebook page. Don't miss it!