Today's Everyday Fashion: The Grad Student

I call this look 'the grad student' because my inspiration photo and I look like we are headed to the library to study. :-) You don't have to be a student to rock this look though. This comfy and incredibly warm outfit is perfect for grown-up errands and playdates alike!

Why this works: Lots of layers keep you warm in the winter but they can also make you look bulky. Keep your layers unbuttoned and open for a much slimmer silhouette that will still keep you warm. (you can always wrap your sweater tighter if you catch a chill!)

Left photo: Shopbop.com
Sweater: Gap, $50
Denim shirt: Gap, $14
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Jeans: Gap, $35
Boots: Aldo, $75

ps. I added a shiny new toy to the blog (Disqus) so the comment section looks different. I'm really excited about it and hope it makes commenting and responding much easier for everyone! Let me know what you think!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Winter White

Despite the fact that it's January and the dead of winter, I totally rocked white jeans for church and errands yesterday! It was a comfy and warm look for a chilly day in sunny Florida.

Why this works: There is definitely an art to wearing white denim in the winter. But paired with tall leather boots and a navy wool jacket, white jeans are just as appropriate in January as any other month! Tell me - do you wear white denim during cold weather?

Occasion: Church and grocery shopping
Photo left: AnnTaylor.com
Wool jacket: LOFT, $50
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Belt: H&M, $18
Jeans: Gap, $30
Boots: Bakers, $95
Short necklace: Banana Republic, $18
Long necklace: LOFT, $15
Purse: Juicy Couture/Neiman Marcus Last Call, $115

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dinner Date

I went on a fancy schmancy dinner date last night and this is what I wore!

Why this works: I toned down a gold sequined skirt by pairing it with a plain ivory sweater. I tied the look together by adding a sparkly belt and plenty of luxe jewelry.

Occasion: Dinner date
Sweater: Gap
Skirt: New York & Company, $25
Belt: New York & Company, $10
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Bracelets: Banana Republic, $10-15
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85

Today's Everyday Fashion: 5-Minute Outfit

Sometimes I plan an outfit in my head for days. Other times I have 5 minutes to get dressed and throw something together. This was a result of #2. I had planned to wear a cute polka dot outfit (from Thursday) but it was chilly and overcast and I was in the mood for boots. I threw these pieces together and was one happy camper. (Speaking of campers...)

Why this works: The chunky, sparkly necklace and bracelets are the key. Without them I look a bit like I'm going camping. :-)

Styling tip: When you're in a hurry, lay a potential outfit out FIRST to see if the colors work together. Look okay? Go ahead and try it on to see if the fit is rigjht. If the colors + the fit work, then you are a go!

Occasion: Business lunch and errands
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Necklace: JcPenney, $20
Pants: Sanctuary Surplus/Nordstrom Rack, $40
Boots: Aldo, $75

ps. I was in an article about blogging in the Orlando Sentinel yesterday, check it out!

Fabulous Finds

The day-after-Christmas sales have come and gone, but now is still a great time to find deals at the mall. Case in point:

1. Zara shirt, $19.99. (orig. $39.99) This shirt looks almost identical to a $35 H&M shirt I returned a few months ago. Cheaper and a better fit = win.
2. Gap jeans, $15. (orig. $70) Who else is excited that flares are back in style?! Note: these go for $59.99 online. Remember what I always say about prices being better in the store? Yeah, that couldn't be more true here. I don't make these things up.
3. Forever 21 earrings, $6. Keeping with the theme of me not being able to turn down things that are sparkly, I had to take these faux diamond beauties home with me!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Uhma Limited

I am loving graphic tees lately, so when Uhma Limited got in touch I was thrilled. This Delware-based company is all about cool graphic design, placed on soft, comfy t-shirts that are between $8-30. They also offer custom-designed t-shirts, so if I ever need "J's Everyday Fashion" shirts I know where to go. :-) I decided to rock the 80's look with my shirt today, but I'll also be pairing my tee with some skinny cargos for trips to the grocery store!

T-shirt: c/o Uhma Limited, $29.99
Blazer: Express
Necklace: LOFT, $15
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85

Today's Everyday Fashion: Retro Chic

I have been in love with this inspiration photo for months, so I was really excited to finally have all the pieces to create it! This look has a bit of a retro vibe and reminds me of a 60's diner for some reason (maybe it's the polka dots? or the mix of aqua and mustard?).

Why this works: This shirt has a lot of volume, so I balanced it out with some super-skinny pants. Belting it also helps contain the volume and create more of a waistline. 

Photo left: BananaRepublic.com
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $35 (I think it's the same one in the inspiration photo)
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Belt: Gap, $10
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: TJ Maxx, $25

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Color Red

Apparently I made some sort of truce with the color red. I used to hate it, but lately I'm really, really diggin' it. I had these pants on my wish list for the past couple months and was finally able to score them for $17 in the day-after-Christmas sale. I have lots of outfit ideas for them and here's the first! I know they are tad flashy so I'm curious to see - what's your take, would you wear red pants?

Pants: Gap, $17
Jacket: Gap, $25
Shirt: Abercrombie, $20
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15
Belt: Limited, $15
Boots: Aldo, $75

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