Today's Everyday Fashion: The Winning Recipe

Some people follow recipes to make dinner, I follow recipes to make outfits. Today's inspiration photo is from Zara and it's a bit like a recipe in my eyes. Add one cinnamon skirt + buttercream cardigan + a dash of a belt? Anyone else seeing what I'm seeing? All joking aside, today I have some meetings for my social media gig and needed a look that is professional but stylish, and comfortable to boot. Ding, ding, ding we have a winning recipe! :-)

Styling tip: Look for inspiration everywhere. Today's photo is from the regular merchandise pages of Zara (not the fancy lookbooks they create, which are also full of inspiration). Whenever you get inspired or think of an outfit idea be sure write it down. Then consult your list the next time you need a new outfit in a snap!

Occasion: Business meetings
Photo left: Zara.com
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $14
Shirt: Banana Republic, $17
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $23
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Necklace: Banana Republic, $18

J's Everyday Fashion - THE SHOW!

I have some crazy-exciting news! J's Everyday Fashion is partnering with Izon Orlando to produce a makeover show based on this blog!! Thirteen lucky ladies will receive a makeover from yours truly, and the best part - everyone can watch from home. Why this rocks my world:

- I get to help 13 women face-to-face, which is right in line with my mission statement for this blog.
- I'm planning to choose women with different body types and ages, so I can share tips and tricks that apply to many different women.
- The show will be available to watch online, so no matter where you live you can join in on the fun.

Details: the pilot episode will air in a few months. After that, I will be opening up a search for anyone who wants to be on the show. (For now, I ask that you please hold off on emailing me to apply.) I'll be sharing updates as the pilot progresses and of course will let you know when the show premieres and the search begins.

A huge thanks to all of you who read my blog - you are the ones making this show possible and I'm so excited to share fashion tips with you in a new way!

xoxo,
J.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Safety Zone

Last week I was asked to speak at a women's networking event. The catch: the event was happening in only a couple hours! I said yes and then (*gulp*) I realized I needed to prepare something to say and find a cute outfit. I started to try on every item in my closet and then it hit me - this kind of occasion calls for the safety zone. What is the safety zone? Well, for me that's when you put on all of your favorite pieces and then you feel nice and safe. :-) It did the trick. I felt free to concentrate on my speech and wasn't worried about my outfit because these are some of my most-loved pieces! What is your safety zone outfit?

Why this works: A navy blazer and collared shirt are pretty formal. I paired them with ripped jeans to add a fun vibe to my outfit and keep it from looking too buttoned-up!

Occasion: Speaking engagement
Blazer: Gap, $70
Shirt: H&M, $13
Brooch: Banana Republic, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Bracelets: Banana Republic, $10-15

A huge thanks to Tiffany for snapping this photo and sending it to me! :-)

About the event: Orlando Women's Network (OWN) is a monthly meet-up for professionals in Orlando. I spoke about how to market your small business, including lots of tips for Facebook, Twitter and marketing online. About 15 women were in attendance, it was great to meet everyone! Check out this link if you're interested in attending the next meeting.

Today's Everyday Fashion: A Touch of Red

In a conservative office, a full-fledged pink and red outfit will just not fly on Valentine's Day. Still want to show your V-day spirit? Go with a pop of red and a fun printed blouse, and keep the rest of your outfit professional. A wink to the holiday of love, without going to far!

Why this works: Do you have a high-waisted skirt like this one? Layering a thick, elastic belt tricks the eye, making the rise of skirt seem lower and creating a defined waist. (ps. In the left photo my belt was down a little lower than it should have been, whoops!) ;-)

On a personal note - what are you guys up to for Valentine's Day?! Would love to hear how you are celebrating!

Occasion: Work
Blazer (left): Express
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $15
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Shoes: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $70
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! To show how much we appreciate you guys, J's Everyday Fashion and The Unique Closet have a *sweet* giveaway for you today! :-) The winner will receive the item of their choice from the Unique Closet. To enter:

1. Leave a comment below with a link to your favorite item (include your email address if you'd like to be contacted when you win)

2. Create a free account with The Unique Closet

3. Follow this blog (via the "Follow" button in the right-hand column)

A winner will be chosen on 2/16 at midnight. Good luck and have a great V-day!

xoxo,

J.

WE HAVE A WINNER! Congrats Michelle!

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Do as I Say, Not as I Do

At first glance, my inspiration photo and I look nothing alike. But this photo is 100% responsible for the color combination in today's outfit. I'm not even sure I like her outfit, but I loved the unexpected pop of turquoise, which I brought in with a cardigan. I needed something I could wear to church, but also go sit outside for a soccer game this afternoon, and this color inspiration was the boost I needed to come up with something fun and funky! Today's lesson: think outside the box, and use inspiration photos to come up with your own funky combos!

Occasion: Church and soccer game
Photo left: WhoWhatWear.com 
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: Zara, $13
Belt: H&M, $20
Cargos: Sanctuary Surplus/Nordstrom Rack, $40
Boots: Bakers, $95
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present

What to Wear for Valentine's Day!

Occasion #1: Fancy date in a warm climate. Go totally girlie and wear head-to-toe pink!

Occasion #2: Fancy date in a cold climate. A classic red dress is the ultimate Valentine's Day outfit. Wear it with some tights, boots and a black jacket for added warmth!

Occasion #3: Work. Add a touch of pink with a silk blouse paired with work-appropriate neutrals.

Occasion #4: Classroom. Does your V-day involve hosting a classroom full of kiddos? Try a festive purple cardigan paired with denim and comfortable pumps.

Occasion #5: Not celebrating. You hate Valentine's Day and want to rebel. Show your wild side in leopard print and loud pants.

(From left to right)

Flashback Friday: Mustard Cardigan

This week's Flashback Friday is featuring one of my favorite items in my closet right now - the mustard cardigan! Who knew a cardigan this colorful could be so versatile? It's equally at home in a girlie look, an office look, and a winter look! Tell me - which look is your favorite? And what items would you like to see featured for Flashback Friday?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Winter Wishes

I don't really miss the ice, snow and cold up north - but I do sometimes wish I could wear awesome outfits like this one! (maybe we'll get a cold streak soon?) My outfit is based loosely on this page from Lucky magazine. I didn't copy any one outfit specifically, but instead pulled out a bunch of  monochromatic pieces from my closet until I found a combo that worked. It's funny, I love color but I also love super-neutral looks like this one. What's your preference - are you team color or team monochromatic?

Photo left: Lucky magazine
Sweater: Gap, $50
Shirt: H&M, $13
Fur collar: H&M, $15
Jeans: Gap, $35
Boots: Forever 21, $33
Purse: Juicy Couture/Macy's

Fabulous Find

Lace popped up as a huge trend for Fall 2010 and is still going strong! I've always loved Lauren Conrad's look (left), and have been craving a lace dress for spring so I had to give this dress a try. Only $34.50 from Charlotte Russe, I can't wait to for it to arrive so I can try it with a brown leather belt and shoes!

2/16 update: I just tried on the dress and it's way too short. :-( (I'm 5'7" and size 2 and ordered a S.) It fits beautifully otherwise, it's form-fitting like Lauren's look, but it's just way too short so it's going back!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Opposites Attract

J.Crew has mastered the art of pairing things that at first glance don't seem to "go." A velvet blazer is super-feminine, a denim-shirt is masculine, but together they make perfect harmony. I had my doubts, but when I tried this combo I immediately thought "J.Crew, you creative buggers you. Of course a denim shirt and velvet blazer go together!"

Why this works: Mixing masculine and feminine styles, while it may seem counter-intuitive at first, is one of the quickest way to look chic. Give it a try this week! Not quite up for the challenge? Try wearing a denim shirt in place of a collared shirt for work. Add a sparkly necklace and watch those compliments start rolling in. :-)

Occasion: Work
Photo left: J.Crew
Velvet blazer: H&M
Denim shirt: Gap, $14
Necklace: JcPenney, $20
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: Express
Pumps: Calvin Klein/Filene's Basement, $70

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sequins for Work

Why this works: If your office is super-conservative, sequins might not fly. But in a creative office, a touch of sequins like this is perfectly acceptable. Keep the rest of your outfit professional (a blazer and some dress pants should do the trick) to show that you still mean business, and you're good to go! 

Occasion: Work
Photo left: Ann Taylor Facebook page
Jacket: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: Arden B, $25
Pants: Gap, old
Belt: Limited, $15
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $23

Today's shoes are from my new favorite store: Ross. I ventured in there the other day to look for some black pumps and couldn't believe the prices! I bought the shoes I'm wearing today for $23. They are BCBG, the same style below left (except mine are nude patent) that are going for $89 on Heels.com. I also bought the Steve Maddens on the right for $19.99 (except mine are black patent), and they are going for $79 on Shoemall.com. See what I mean? The prices are crazy. What are your favorite hidden gems for great deals on shoes?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Color is My Favorite

"Mmmm, color." Some people really enjoy food. For me, colors are the most delicious thing in the whole world. I enjoy nothing more than creating new color combos like today's look! (Does this make me crazy?) Similar to my orange/yellow Olivia Palermo post last week, this combo works because all the colors come from the same "family." What are some of your favorite/unique color combos to wear?

Photo left: Lucky magazine
Cardigan: Express (5 years old)
Shirt: Gap, $30
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: Bakers, $95
Necklace: Stella & Dot, c/o Lori McMinn

Win a Pair of Whooga Boots!

Being caught in the snow without proper footwear is a definite fashion don't! Thankfully there's Whooga, a UK company that makes amazingly cozy Ugg boots in all sorts of styles and colors. The best part: you can win your very own pair! Simply sign up for their email list here (contest is open to all countries) for a chance to win. Don't want to wait? Get 10% off your purchase with code 1441JSEVRDAY through 2/13.

Today's Everyday Fashion: What to Keep, What to Toss

By now you guys know that I tend to hold onto items for a really long time. In fact, I have a whole collection of blazers from 5+ years ago that I'm still rocking today. Take this jacket from H&M - I bought it in 2006, haven't worn it in ages, but decided to bust it out of the closet today! How did I know I would wear this again? Check out my tips below for cleaning out your closet and what to keep/what to toss. But first...

Why this works: This jacket can be very costume-y. I didn't want to look like I was headed to a costume party, so I was very careful about what I paired the jacket with. Flares look really modern, and in the Victorian era they weren't around. I mixed my styles (Victorian and 70's) to create a funky, modern look!

Jacket: H&M

Shirt: Forever 21, $8

Jeans: Gap, $15

Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39

What to toss: When making a toss/maybes pile, don't listen to experts that tell you to throw something out if you haven't worn it for 6 months to a year. I have held onto tops for a full 5 years before they came back in style, and every time I am really thankful that I held onto them. When to toss:

• If something is ripped, stained or worn out.
• If you are only holding onto it for sentimental reasons.
• If something doesn't fit you size-wise. (one exception: if it can be used for maternity wear later on) 
• If something doesn't fit you style-wise. Pants often don't keep well, because the styles change (skinny, flare, etc.) so I don't generally hold onto them for very long.
• If you don't love it anymore. (we all grow out of our younger styles eventually!)

What to keep:  In general, these are the principles I follow in deciding what to keep:

• If you still really love it, the fit is great, it just feels out of date. Keep it - it will probably come back into style!
• If it's a high quality item such as a blazer, coat or shoes (only keep the shoes if they are in excellent condition though!).
• If it's a unique item such as a beaded top or special occasion dress.

How do you decide what to keep?

Today's Everyday Fashion: I Heart the Gap

Today's look is head-to-toe Gap, inspired by Gap! It's no secret that I love that store - almost all of my jeans are from there and I wear this green army jacket a LOT. Why do I love the Gap so much? Well,  I always say that a girl finds that one brand that really works for them and then sticks to it. For me, the fit of Gap jeans are right-on, and the fact that I can usually get them on sale for $15-30 is even better! Tell me - what brands of jeans fit you best? Do you have a go-to store for jeans?

Photo left: Gap.com
Shirt: Gap, $14
Jacket: Gap, $25
Jeans: Gap, $35
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Belt: Forever 21, $8

ps. Would love your help with a little something. Could you please vote for me in Refinery 29's Hunt for the next Style Blogger? It's really easy - just go here and click the little pink heart on my picture! You can only vote once. Thank you!!!

smartwater + Brink magazine

J's smartwater ad in Brink magazine

I recently teamed up with smartwater to re-create one of their iconic Jennifer Aniston ads. She is the most beautiful woman alive and I have always loved the ads she did with them. This picture does make me chuckle, though. For one, I'm not wearing a shirt. For two, I'm not smiling and I always smile. I was trying to achieve her look though - I used a self-timer and a tripod and this was the first take, not too shabby, right? ;-)

Along with my blog post on how to transition workout gear, this smartwater ad was published in the most recent issue of Brink magazine! I was so excited when I saw it - I love Brink and smartwater and I just wanted to say "thank you!" Love, J.

Black Supplex Pants: c/o Brazilian Moda
Black/Pink Sports bra: c/o Brazilian Moda

J' s blog post in Brink magazine

Flashback Friday: Camel Leather Jacket

This week's Flashback Friday is one of my favorite - and most expensive - clothing items. Last spring I invested in this camel leather jacket from Banana Republic. I hardly ever spend this much on one item (it was $150 with a coupon), but I loved it sooo much. How much? If you can see yourself wearing the jacket with nothing but a white t-shirt and jeans, you know it's love. :-) Other ways I knew it was okay? I had a $250 budget that month, and wasn't in the market for anything in particular, so I knew I could use my budget on this "splurge" and still have plenty left over.

Tell me - what items have you splurged on? Which outfit in today's feature is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: It's in the Mag

Do you ever look at a picture in a magazine and say to yourself "I could never look like that"? Well stop that right now! Some outfits might be unobtainable, and some of them no one should be wearing, but some are just what you need for a fresh take on your closet.  Take today's inspiration from Lucky magazine (left). I had all the pieces I needed, this picture just gave me a little boost to make it happen. Anyone can do it - now get to collecting those magazine photos! :-)

Occasion: Work
Photo left: Lucky magazine
Jacket: Banana Republic, $75
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $30
Shirt: H&M, $14
Jeans: Gap, $35
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Today's Everyday Fashion: Orange Olivia

I looove Olivia Palermo's style so when I saw this photo on FabSugar, I know I had to re-create it! I don't have an orange blazer, so I switched things around and wore an orange shirt and brown cardigan. (Note: hard to tell from the photo, but my pants are also plaid.)

Why this works: One way to experiment with color is to stick to colors that are all from the same "family." This combo works because all of the colors in the outfit are similar shades of brown/orange/yellow, which live on the same side of the color wheel!

Occasion: Work
Photo left: FabSugar.com
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $30
Shirt: Limited, $30
Pants: Banana Republic outlet
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Earrings: Banana Republic, $20